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Tight Junctions

Tight Junctions

Tight junctions are molecular seals between cells that prevent the leaking of fluids, ions, and other small solutes across cavities and compartments in multicellular organisms. They are mainly composed of claudin and occludin transmembrane proteins, and other proteins such as tricellulin and JAM (junctional adhesion molecule). All these proteins are 4-pass transmembrane proteins, except JAM, which is a single-pass transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The...

Anchoring Junctions

Anchoring Junctions

Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another cell. These cell junctions are classified into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another cell. These cell junctions are classified into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
Occluding or Tight Junctions
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Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Permeability and Neutrophil Transepithelial Migration in Mice using a Standardized Intestinal Loop Model

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Permeability and Neutrophil Transepithelial Migration in Mice using a Standardized Intestinal Loop Model

Published on: February 11, 2021

JAM-C regulates tight junctions and integrin-mediated cell adhesion and migration.

Guillaume Mandicourt¹, Sandra Iden, Klaus Ebnet

¹Department of Pathology and Immunology, the University Medical Center, CH 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry

|November 14, 2006

Summary

Junctional Adhesion Molecule-C (JAM-C) can restore tight junctions in tumor cells. A specific mutation in JAM-C enhances cell migration and adhesion, promoting a pro-migratory phenotype.

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Last Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Permeability and Neutrophil Transepithelial Migration in Mice using a Standardized Intestinal Loop Model

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Published on: February 11, 2021

Analysis of Protein-protein Interactions and Co-localization Between Components of Gap, Tight, and Adherens Junctions in Murine Mammary Glands

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Published on: May 30, 2017

Static Adhesion Assay for the Study of Integrin Activation in T Lymphocytes

Static Adhesion Assay for the Study of Integrin Activation in T Lymphocytes

Published on: June 13, 2014

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Molecular Oncology

Background:

Junctional Adhesion Molecules (JAMs) are key to tight junctions, maintaining cell polarity.
Tumor development involves remodeling of tight junctions, facilitating cell migration.
The role of JAM-C in tumor cell migration and tight junction regulation requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of JAM-C on tight junctions and migratory properties in carcinoma cells.
To determine the role of serine 281 in JAM-C's function and localization.
To elucidate JAM-C's influence on the transition to a pro-migratory phenotype.

Main Methods:

Transfection of JAM-C into carcinoma cells lacking its expression.
Site-directed mutagenesis of serine 281 to alanine in JAM-C.
Assessment of tight junction integrity, cell polarity, and integrin-mediated migration and adhesion.

Main Results:

JAM-C re-expression improved the tight junctional barrier in JAM-C-deficient tumor cells.
Mutation of serine 281 abolished JAM-C's localization to tight junctions and cell polarity establishment.
The serine 281 mutation stimulated integrin-mediated cell migration and adhesion by modulating beta1 and beta3 integrin activation.

Conclusions:

JAM-C plays a critical role in maintaining epithelial cell polarity and tight junction integrity.
Serine 281 in JAM-C is essential for its proper localization and function in tight junctions.
JAM-C regulates the switch between a polarized, static state and a migratory phenotype in epithelial cancer cells.