Cell adhesion protein aids epithelial cells in engulfing dead cells

A cell‑adhesion protein traditionally known for binding neighboring cells and maintaining tissue integrity has been identified as a critical regulator of epithelial cell clearance of dying neighbors. Researchers discovered that the protein, which forms tight junctions between cells, also signals epithelial cells to engulf adjacent apoptotic cells, a process previously thought to be limited to specialized phagocytes. Experiments using cultured epithelial layers and animal models demonstrated that loss of the protein impairs the ability of epithelial sheets to remove dead cells, leading to accumulation of cellular debris and disruption of barrier function.

The findings broaden the functional repertoire of adhesion molecules, linking tissue cohesion with innate cleanup mechanisms essential for maintaining homeostasis. By coordinating both structural stability and the removal of unwanted cells, the protein may represent a target for therapeutic strategies aimed at diseases characterized by defective cell clearance, such as chronic inflammation and certain cancers. Further studies are planned to elucidate the molecular pathways connecting adhesion signaling to phagocytic activity in epithelial tissues.