Protective functions of ZO-2/Tjp2 expressed in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes against liver injury and cholestasis
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Liver tight junctions (TJs) establish tissue barriers that isolate bile from the blood circulation. TJP2/ZO-2-inactivating mutations cause progressive cholestatic liver disease in humans. Since the underlying mechanisms remain elusive, we characterized mice with liver-specific inactivation of Tjp2.METHODS: Tjp2 was deleted in hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, or both. Effects on