Figure 3.

IEC-specific TBK1 ablation does not affect the integrity and barrier function of intestinal epithelia. (A) qRT-PCR analysis of the expression of tight junction-related genes in IECs of Tbk1^WT and Tbk1^IEC-KO mice (n = 7 per genotype). (B) Intestinal integrity measured based on FITC-dextran levels in serum (n = 5 per genotype). (C) H&E histology analysis of the ileum of small intestine or colon of Tbk1^WT and Tbk1^IEC-KO mice. Scale bar = 100 μm. (D and E) Beta diversity were visualized by Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA; D), and the microbiota composition at genus level (E) were analyzed in feces and small intestine contents of Tbk1^WT and Tbk1^IEC-KO mice (n = 6 each) by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. Data are representative of 3 independent experiments, and summary data are mean ± s.e.m. with P values being determined by unpaired two-tailed Student’s t-test. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001; ns, not significant.