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Claudins and epithelial paracellular transport
Christina M Van Itallie1, James M Anderson
1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7545, USA. vitallie@med.unc.edu
Annual Review of Physiology
|February 8, 2006
Summary
Tight junctions control what passes through epithelial barriers. Claudins, a family of adhesion molecules, form these seals and their selective pores, influencing barrier function.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Epithelial biology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Tight junctions form crucial intercellular seals in epithelia, regulating paracellular solute transport.
- Epithelial paracellular barriers exhibit variable electrical resistance and selective pore properties.
- Claudins, a large family of intercellular adhesion molecules, are implicated in forming these tight junction seals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure, function, and regulation of the claudin protein family.
- To explore the role of claudins in forming selective paracellular pores.
- To discuss claudins and their evolutionary relatives within the pfam00822 superfamily.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of claudin expression in cultured epithelial cell models.
- Investigation of genetically altered mouse models.
- Study of human genetic mutants affecting claudin function.
Main Results:
- Claudins are essential components of tight junction seals.
- Claudins determine the charge and size selectivity of paracellular pores.
- Evidence supports claudins' role from cell culture, animal models, and human genetics.
Conclusions:
- Claudins are the primary determinants of tight junction seal integrity and pore properties.
- Understanding claudin regulation is key to understanding epithelial barrier function.
- The claudin superfamily and its relatives represent a conserved mechanism for epithelial barrier control.