Abstract
Tight junctions contribute to the paracellular barrier, the fence dividing plasma membranes, and signal transduction, acting as a multifunctional complex in vertebrate epithelial and endothelial cells. The identification and characterization of the transmembrane proteins of tight junctions, claudins, junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs), occludin and tricellulin, have led to insights into the molecular nature of tight junctions. We provide an overview of recent progress in studies on these proteins and highlight their roles and regulation, as well as their functional significance in human diseases.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Adhesion Molecules / chemistry
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Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology
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Humans
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Junctional Adhesion Molecules
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MARVEL Domain Containing 2 Protein
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Membrane Proteins / chemistry
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Membrane Proteins / genetics
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Membrane Proteins / physiology*
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Models, Biological
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Molecular Structure
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Mutation
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Occludin
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Tight Junctions / chemistry
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Tight Junctions / physiology*
Substances
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Cell Adhesion Molecules
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Junctional Adhesion Molecules
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MARVEL Domain Containing 2 Protein
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MARVELD2 protein, human
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Membrane Proteins
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OCLN protein, human
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Occludin