Deficits in gastrointestinal (GI) epithelial barrier function play important roles in the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The CDH1 gene encoding E-cadherin, a key component of the epithelial junctional complex, is associated with Ulcerative Colitis (UC), and perhaps Crohn’s disease (CD). E-cadherin is the principle adhesive component of the adherens junction, and it regulates paracellular permeability by facilitating the formation of tight junctions and organizing the entire epithelial junction complex.