CLDN7 and colitis: While Claudin-7 mRNA levels were not altered in both WT and Mmp7-/- mice, loss of Claudin-7 protein was confirmed in WT mice treated with DSS, but not in Mmp7-/- mice with DSS colitis (Figure 6), confirming posttranscriptional degradation of Claudin-7 by MMP-7.