Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (598 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Thin layers of tissue which cover parts of the body, separate adjacent cavities, or connect adjacent structures.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Membrane; Membrane Tissue; Membrane Tissues; Tissue, Membrane; Tissues, Membrane.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Tissues
- Narrower topics
- Basement Membrane; Extraembryonic Membranes; Mucous Membrane; Serous Membrane
- See also
- Cell Membrane; Cell Wall; Intracellular Membranes; Membrane Lipids; Membrane Proteins; Neurilemma; Nuclear Envelope; Synovial Membrane
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 367,845 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Membranes” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 41,589 of them (11.3%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 174,022 records.
Reviews account for 33,589 records (9.1%) and meta-analyses for 817. Randomized controlled trials number 5,411 (1.5%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 174,022 |
| 2000-2009 | 70,857 |
| 2010-2019 | 81,377 |
| 2020 onward | 41,589 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 33,589 | 9.1% |
| Meta-analyses | 817 | 0.2% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 5,411 | 1.5% |
Method: PubMed query "Membranes"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in anatomy and physiology
Anatomy describes how body structures are built and physiology describes how they normally work, so most findings here are descriptive or mechanistic rather than evidence about treatment. Much of what is known comes from dissection, imaging, tissue studies and experiments in animals, and measurements in healthy volunteers can differ from those in people with disease or at different ages. Normal ranges vary between individuals and populations. Check whether a result was measured in people or in another species, the age and health of the participants, and the method used.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cilia-to-basement membrane signaling is a biomechanical driver in models of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 2 | cc by PMID 42378035 · DOI · PMC13574157 |
| The airway epithelial-immune axis: mechanisms and therapeutic implications | 2026 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 2 | cc by PMID 42568577 · DOI · PMC13447427 |
| Adverse Oral Mucosal Reaction to Sublingual Captopril: A Case Report With Exploratory Insights Into AI-Assisted Clinical Reasoning | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 2 | cc by PMID 42499297 · DOI · PMC13401081 |
Cilia-to-basement membrane signaling is a biomechanical driver in models of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the leading genetic cause of kidney failure, results from loss-of-function mutations in PKD1, encoding polycystin-1 (PC1).
- Closing excerpt
- Together, these findings establish a TBM-centered biomechanical model of ADPKD in which tubule deformation is governed by both basolateral and luminal mechanical factors and identify the cilium/TBM axis, operating in part through GLIS2, as a central driver of cystogenesis.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (201 words)
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the leading genetic cause of kidney failure, results from loss-of-function mutations in PKD1, encoding polycystin-1 (PC1). PC1 localizes to the primary cilium. In the absence of PC1, adverse signaling from the primary cilium orchestrates cyst formation, but the biomechanical underpinnings of this cilia-dependent cyst activation (CDCA) remain unclear. Combining tubule-specific orthologous mouse models with a tubule-on-chip platform, we show that PC1 and cilia govern the composition, mechanical properties, and shape of the tubular basement membrane (TBM), the principal rigid determinant of tubule geometry. PC1 loss triggered TBM thinning, heparan sulfate enrichment, and deformation, leading to distension, preferentially of the distal nephron. These changes were driven by a cilia-dependent transcriptional program, with GLIS2 - a key CDCA effector - participating as a downstream mediator. Reduction of TBM stiffness amplified Pkd1-/- tubule-on-chip dilation and increased cyst formation in vivo. Conversely, increasing luminal pressure through ureteral obstruction induced disproportionate distension of Pkd1-deficient tubules and triggered an irreversible cystogenic program. Together, these findings establish a TBM-centered biomechanical model of ADPKD in which tubule deformation is governed by both basolateral and luminal mechanical factors and identify the cilium/TBM axis, operating in part through GLIS2, as a central driver of cystogenesis.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42378035 · DOI · PMC13574157
The airway epithelial-immune axis: mechanisms and therapeutic implications [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- The airway epithelium is increasingly recognized not merely as a physical barrier, but as a central, active regulator of mucosal immunity.
- Closing excerpt
- Furthermore, we highlight how emerging technologies-such as single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, organoid models, and multi-omics integration-are decoding cellular heterogeneity and spatial niches, ultimately paving the way for precision medicine and long-term disease-modifying therapies in respiratory medicine.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (180 words)
The airway epithelium is increasingly recognized not merely as a physical barrier, but as a central, active regulator of mucosal immunity. This review comprehensively summarizes the structural and functional basis of the airway epithelial-immune axis and its critical role in chronic respiratory diseases. Exposure to environmental allergens, pollutants, and respiratory pathogens disrupts epithelial tight junctions and triggers the rapid release of key alarmins, including TSLP, IL-33, and IL-25. These epithelial-derived cytokines participate in reciprocal epithelial-immune circuits, driving extensive crosstalk with both innate (ILC2s) and adaptive (Th2 cells) immune networks to establish self-perpetuating inflammatory loops. Such epithelial dysfunction can act as an important driver and amplifier in the pathogenesis of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and upper airway inflammatory disorders. Consequently, targeting this axis has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, shifting the focus toward alarmin-neutralizing biologics, upstream receptor inhibition, and barrier restoration. Furthermore, we highlight how emerging technologies-such as single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, organoid models, and multi-omics integration-are decoding cellular heterogeneity and spatial niches, ultimately paving the way for precision medicine and long-term disease-modifying therapies in respiratory medicine.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42568577 · DOI · PMC13447427
Adverse Oral Mucosal Reaction to Sublingual Captopril: A Case Report With Exploratory Insights Into AI-Assisted Clinical Reasoning [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- AimsTo describe a probable oral mucosal injury associated with the off-label sublingual administration of captopril in a medically complex patient, and to illustrate the role of structured clinical reasoning in identifying route-related adverse drug reactions, with exploratory insights into AI-assisted reasoning.
- Closing excerpt
- This case also illustrates that AI-assisted reasoning is highly dependent on the structure and quality of clinical input, supporting its role as a complementary cognitive tool rather than an autonomous diagnostic system.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (217 words)
AimsTo describe a probable oral mucosal injury associated with the off-label sublingual administration of captopril in a medically complex patient, and to illustrate the role of structured clinical reasoning in identifying route-related adverse drug reactions, with exploratory insights into AI-assisted reasoning.Methods and resultsA 77-year-old patient presented with persistent burning pain and a progressive oral mucosal lesion on the floor of the mouth. Despite appropriate management of local infectious and mechanical factors, symptoms worsened over time. A consistent temporal relationship was observed between lesion exacerbation and repeated sublingual captopril use during hypertensive episodes. Structured clinical reasoning, including iterative causal analysis, supported identification of a probable route-related adverse drug reaction. Discontinuation of sublingual captopril, combined with topical corticosteroid therapy, resulted in complete resolution of the lesion. An exploratory interaction with a large language model was conducted to examine how structured clinical input may influence the coherence and clinical relevance of AI-assisted reasoning.ConclusionSublingual administration of captopril may cause localized chemical injury to the oral mucosa, particularly in vulnerable patients with complex medical conditions. Recognition of route-specific adverse effects is essential to avoid unnecessary interventions and improve patient outcomes. This case also illustrates that AI-assisted reasoning is highly dependent on the structure and quality of clinical input, supporting its role as a complementary cognitive tool rather than an autonomous diagnostic system.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42499297 · DOI · PMC13401081
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Mucosal Healing Is Associated With Improved Long-term Outcomes of Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis [4]
- Research article Systematic review with meta-analysis: mucosal healing is associated with improved long-term outcomes in Crohn's disease [5]
- Research article Systematic review with meta-analysis: comparative efficacy of biologics for induction and maintenance of mucosal healing in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis controlled trials [6]
- Research article A systematic review of the prevalence of mucosal and cutaneous human papillomavirus types [7]
- Research article Systematic review and meta-analysis of histopathological factors influencing the risk of lymph node metastasis in early colorectal cancer [8]
- Research article Relative potency of proton-pump inhibitors-comparison of effects on intragastric pH [9]
References
- Mazloum M, Lapin B, Alghamdi R, Vandensteen J, Burtin M, Houillier P, et al.. Cilia-to-basement membrane signaling is a biomechanical driver in models of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. . 2026. PMID 42378035 · DOI · PMC13574157
- Zhu Z, Li Q, Hua B. The airway epithelial-immune axis: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. . 2026. PMID 42568577 · DOI · PMC13447427
- Júnior ARG, Velane CM, Magario CAM, Pina PS, Domaneschi C, Esteves CV. Adverse Oral Mucosal Reaction to Sublingual Captopril: A Case Report With Exploratory Insights Into AI-Assisted Clinical Reasoning. . 2026. PMID 42499297 · DOI · PMC13401081
- Shah SC, Colombel JF, Sands BE, Narula N. Mucosal Healing Is Associated With Improved Long-term Outcomes of Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016. PMID 26829025 · DOI
- Shah SC, Colombel JF, Sands BE, Narula N. Systematic review with meta-analysis: mucosal healing is associated with improved long-term outcomes in Crohn's disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2016. PMID 26607562 · DOI
- Cholapranee A, Hazlewood GS, Kaplan GG, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Ananthakrishnan AN. Systematic review with meta-analysis: comparative efficacy of biologics for induction and maintenance of mucosal healing in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis controlled trials. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2017. PMID 28326566 · DOI · PMC5395316
- Bzhalava D, Guan P, Franceschi S, Dillner J, Clifford G. A systematic review of the prevalence of mucosal and cutaneous human papillomavirus types. Virology. 2013. PMID 23928291 · DOI
- Beaton C, Twine CP, Williams GL, Radcliffe AG. Systematic review and meta-analysis of histopathological factors influencing the risk of lymph node metastasis in early colorectal cancer. Colorectal Dis. 2013. PMID 23331927 · DOI
- Kirchheiner J, Glatt S, Fuhr U, Klotz U, Meineke I, Seufferlein T, et al.. Relative potency of proton-pump inhibitors-comparison of effects on intragastric pH. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2009. PMID 18925391 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.