TJP1 and colitis: Another study showed that the exopolysaccharides extracted from L. plantarum NCU116 (EPS116) attenuated DSS-induced colitis and promoted epithelial barrier function and the expression of TJ proteins ZO-1 and occludin both in vivo and in vitro in a signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-dependent manner.