MUC2 and colitis: In addition, DSS-induced colitis compromised the intestinal barrier function, as shown by the decreased (p < 0.05) expression of different proteins involved in maintaining epithelial integrity, including TFF-3, villin, ZO-1, occludin, MUC-2, and MUC-3 (Figures 7C1–6) when compared to the non-colitic group.