<prompt> Please answer with one of the option in the bracket. Write reasoning in between . Write answer in between .Q:A researcher is studying proteins that contribute to intestinal epithelial permeability. He has isolated intestinal tissue from several mice. After processing the tissue into its individual components, he uses a Western blot analysis to identify a protein that forms part of a multi-protein complex at the apical aspect of epithelial cells. The complex is known to provide a diffusion barrier between the apical and basolateral aspects of epithelial cells. Which of the following proteins is this researcher most likely investigating?? A: Integrin, B: Connexon, C: Desmoglein, D: E-cadherin, E: Claudin,  <response>: This is a question about intestinal epithelial permeability and proteins that form diffusion barriers between the apical and basolateral aspects of epithelial cells. Based on the information provided, the researcher is looking for a protein that is part of a multi-protein complex at the apical surface of intestinal epithelial cells and contributes to the permeability barrier. The choices provided are different types of cell junction proteins. Integrins are receptors that mediate attachment between a cell and the extracellular matrix. Connexons form gap junctions that allow diffusion between cells. Desmogleins and E-cadherin are proteins found in desmosomes and adherens junctions, respectively, that anchor cells together. Claudins are transmembrane proteins that form the backbone of tight junctions, which regulate paracellular permeability between epithelial cells. Since the researcher is looking for a protein that contributes to a diffusion barrier at the apical surface of intestinal epithelial cells, claudins are the most likely proteins being investigated.E: Claudin 