Fig. 1: DR5 gene deletion disrupts the intestinal epithelial function.

Data were expressed as mean ± SEM. Statistical analyses were performed by the unpaired t-tests or two-way ANOVA followed by Sidak’s multiple comparisons test (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, ****P < 0.0001). A qRT-PCR analysis showed that DR5 gene in ileum was deleted in DR5^-/- mice compared with WT mice (n = 6). B Representative images of DR5^-/- mice and WT mice at 8 weeks after birth. C The body weight change of DR5^-/- mice and WT mice from 4 to 8 weeks after birth. From the 4th week of birth, the weight of the mice was measured every 3 days and expressed as a percentage change from the first measurement (n = 10). D Food intake of DR5^-/- mice and WT mice from 4 to 8 weeks after birth. The food intake of each cage was measured every 3 days and expressed as the average daily food mass per cage per mouse (n = 4). E Transmission electron microscopy images of ileal epithelial cells in DR5^-/- mice and WT mice. The blue arrow indicated the microvilli (scale bars: 2 μm). F Images for ALP staining to show the brush border of intestinal epithelial cells (scale bars: 100 μm). G qRT-PCR analysis showed the expression of absorption related genes in intestinal epithelial cells of WT and DR5^-/- mice (n = 6). H Representative images and densitometry analysis for the expression of Occludin and ZO-1 in ileal tissue from WT mice and DR5^-/- mice (n = 4). Both are tight junction proteins that make up the intestinal epithelial barrier. I Immunofluorescence staining for ZO-1 and Occludin in ileum of WT mice and DR5^-/- mice (scale bars: 100 μm).