Elucidation of molecular functions of the protocadherin CDHR5 in intestinal epithelial cells

Intestinal epithelial cells are covered by the brush border, which consists of densely packed microvilli. The Intermicrovillar Adhesion Complex (IMAC) connects the microvilli and is required for proper organization of the brush border. The protocadherin CDHR5 is an important member of the IMAC, but it is unclear whether CDHR5 has mainly structural functions or is also involved in cellular signaling. This issue was resolved with a CDHR5 knockout mouse model. Intestinal epithelial cells were isolated from the small intestine of four wild-type and four CDHR5 knockout mice. Bulk RNA sequencing was performed to provide insight into the functions of CDHR5 in cellular signaling and gene regulation.