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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...

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
Tight...

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:...

Desmosomes

Desmosomes

The term desmosome derives from the Greek words "desmo" and "soma" meaning "adhesion bodies." This structure was first observed during the late 1800s and described as small, dense nodules in the epidermis. Desmosomes are button-like structures that help form an interlinked network of intermediate filaments across the cells. These junctions are essential to hold cells together under mechanical stress and to maintain tissue integrity. Desmosomes are multi-protein complexes comprising desmosomal...

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor

Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor

Published on: February 10, 2014

Tight junction proteins in keratinocytes: localization and contribution to barrier function.

Takuo Yuki¹, Akinori Haratake, Hisa Koishikawa

¹Basic Research Laboratory, Kanebo Cosmetics Inc., Kanagawa, Japan.

Experimental Dermatology

|March 16, 2007

Summary

This study shows that tight junctions (TJs) in epidermal keratinocytes form a functional barrier. Calcium-induced differentiation is key for TJ formation and epidermal barrier integrity.

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Isolation and Culture of Primary Mouse Keratinocytes from Neonatal and Adult Mouse Skin

Isolation and Culture of Primary Mouse Keratinocytes from Neonatal and Adult Mouse Skin

Published on: July 14, 2017

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Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor

Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor

Published on: February 10, 2014

Isolation and Culture of Primary Mouse Keratinocytes from Neonatal and Adult Mouse Skin

Isolation and Culture of Primary Mouse Keratinocytes from Neonatal and Adult Mouse Skin

Published on: July 14, 2017

Area of Science:

Dermatology
Cell Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Tight junctions (TJs) are crucial for epidermal barrier function.
Previous research indicates TJs are located in the stratum granulosum of the epidermis.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the formation of functional tight junctions (TJs) in cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes.
To understand the role of TJs in epidermal permeability barrier function.

Main Methods:

Utilized calcium (Ca2+)-induced differentiation of keratinocytes.
Performed immunofluorescence analyses to detect TJ proteins (occludin, claudin-1, claudin-4).
Assessed barrier function and TJ protein network integrity under varying Ca2+ concentrations and ochratoxin A exposure.

Main Results:

Observed development of permeability barrier function correlating with Ca2+-induced differentiation.
Identified occludin, claudin-1, and claudin-4 as key TJ proteins forming continuous networks in differentiated keratinocytes.
Demonstrated that transient Ca2+ depletion reversibly disrupted TJs and the barrier.
Showed ochratoxin A exposure weakened the permeability barrier and reduced claudin-4 expression.

Conclusions:

Tight junction proteins play a significant role in establishing the permeability barrier in epidermal keratinocytes.
The formation and maintenance of functional TJs are dependent on calcium levels and can be modulated by external toxins.