Early-stage blocking of Notch signaling inhibits the depletion of goblet cells in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice

Background Goblet cells, which contribute to mucosal defense and repair in the intestinal epithelium, are depleted in human and rodent colitis. The Notch signal pathway regulates the differentiation of intestinal stem cells into epithelial cells and inhibits the differentiation of secretory lineages, including goblet cells. The aim of our study was to clarify whether the blocking of the Notch pathway at an early stage of colitis would preserve goblet cells and facilitate the healing process in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.