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Breaking into the epithelial apical-junctional complex--news from pathogen hackers.
Roger Vogelmann1, Manuel R Amieva, Stanley Falkow
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Beckman Center B121, Stanford University School of Medicine, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5435, USA.
Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|March 24, 2004
Summary
Microbial pathogens target epithelial apical-junctional complex proteins. Three Ig superfamily components—junctional adhesion molecule, Nectin, and coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor—regulate cell junctions and are key virulence targets.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- The epithelial apical-junctional complex regulates cellular functions and is targeted by pathogens.
- Microbes manipulate host cells for survival and proliferation, often via specific molecular targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how microbial pathogens target the epithelial apical-junctional complex.
- To understand the role of specific junctional components in host-pathogen interactions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microbial virulence strategies targeting epithelial cells.
- Study of the structure and function of apical-junctional complex components.
Main Results:
- Pathogens select specific protein targets within the apical-junctional complex.
- Three Ig superfamily members—junctional adhesion molecule, Nectin, and coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor—are critical regulators.
- These components are key targets for microbial virulence factors.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates the role of junctional adhesion molecule, Nectin, and coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor in junctional integrity.
- These molecules represent crucial targets for microbial pathogens, offering insights into host-pathogen dynamics.