cCPE Fusion Proteins as Molecular Probes to Detect Claudins and Tight Junction Dysregulation in Gastrointestinal Cell Lines, Tissue Explants and Patient-Derived Organoids

Claudins regulate paracellular permeability, contribute to epithelial polarization and are dysregulated during inflammation and carcinogenesis. Variants of the claudin-binding domain of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (cCPE) are highly sensitive protein ligands for generic detection of a broad spectrum of claudins. Here, we investigated the preferential binding of YFP- or GST-cCPE fusion proteins to non-junctional claudin molecules. Plate reader assays, flow cytometry and microscopy …