The mRNA expression of the gene encoding TNF-α, a stimuli of apoptotic cell shedding, was significantly reduced in infected Tln1Δepi mice compared to infected Tln1fl/fl mice (Figure 8c).33 These data along with the decrease in actin polymerization and shedding of C. rodentium-bound cells suggest that talin-1 is important for epithelial cell movement and regeneration in response to challenge, and that this activity is protective during infection. The gene discussed is TLN1; the disease is infection.