Ruan et al. investigate the effect of H5N1 infection on the expression of intercellular junction proteins (E-cadherin, Occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1), which they find results in reduced expression of these proteins via activation of TAK1, p38, and ERK, leading to an induction of Itch. The authors report that Itch activation then results in ubiquitination and degradation of these cellular junction proteins.
- Tao Ruan
- Yuling Sun
- Xiulong Xu
