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Related Concept Videos

Tight Junctions01:29

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...
Membrane Domains01:18

Membrane Domains

The membrane domains concentrate specific lipids and proteins at one place within the membrane, which helps in cell signaling, adhesion, and other critical cellular processes. These domains can differ in size, composition, function, and lifespan.
Protein Domains
The membrane comprises a group of distinct proteins responsible for carrying out a cell's specific function. For example, the plasma membrane of the human sperm, or a single germ cell, contains a unique set of proteins in the anterior...
Membrane Fluidity01:26

Membrane Fluidity

Membrane fluidity is explained by the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane, which describes the plasma membrane structure as a mosaic of components—including phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates—that gives the membrane a fluid character.
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is a relatively...
Membrane Fluidity01:23

Membrane Fluidity

Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates loosely attached to one another through chemical interactions. Molecules are generally able to move about in the plane of the membrane, giving the membrane its flexible nature called fluidity. Two other features of the membrane contribute to membrane fluidity: the chemical structure of the phospholipids and the presence of cholesterol in the membrane.Fatty acids tails of phospholipids can be either saturated or...
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer01:35

Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer

Biological membranes show uneven distribution of different types of lipids in the inner and outer layers, resulting in transverse asymmetric membranes. The treatment of the erythrocyte membrane with the enzyme phospholipase confirmed the asymmetric nature of the lipid bilayer. The enzyme hydrolyzes lipids into fatty acids and hydrophilic groups. The phospholipase acts only on the outer layer of the membrane, while the inner layer remains intact. The phospholipase treatment resulted in 80%...
Mechanisms of Membrane Domain Formation00:59

Mechanisms of Membrane Domain Formation

Different physical properties of lipids and proteins allow them to localize and form distinct islands or domains in the membrane. Some membrane domains are formed due to protein-protein interactions, whereas others are formed due to the presence of specific lipids such as sphingolipids and sterols—for example, large proteins, such as bacteriorhodopsin, aggregate and create distinct domains.
Another mechanism for membrane domain formation involves membrane proteins interacting with cytoskeletal...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Analysis of Protein-protein Interactions and Co-localization Between Components of Gap, Tight, and Adherens Junctions in Murine Mammary Glands
11:31

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

Published on: May 30, 2017

Identification of tight junction modulating lipids.

Shu-Chih Chen-Quay1, Kristine T Eiting, Angela W-A Li

  • 1Nastech Pharmaceutical Company, Inc, Bothell, Washington, USA.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|June 20, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Researchers identified novel lipids that reversibly modulate tight junctions (TJs) for enhanced drug delivery. These TJ modulators offer potential for improving transmucosal absorption without compromising cell integrity.

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Lipid Vesicle-mediated Affinity Chromatography using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (LIMACS): a Novel Method to Analyze Protein-lipid Interaction
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Lipid Vesicle-mediated Affinity Chromatography using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (LIMACS): a Novel Method to Analyze Protein-lipid Interaction

Published on: April 26, 2011

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Analysis of Protein-protein Interactions and Co-localization Between Components of Gap, Tight, and Adherens Junctions in Murine Mammary Glands
11:31

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

Published on: May 30, 2017

Lipid Vesicle-mediated Affinity Chromatography using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (LIMACS): a Novel Method to Analyze Protein-lipid Interaction
07:33

Lipid Vesicle-mediated Affinity Chromatography using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (LIMACS): a Novel Method to Analyze Protein-lipid Interaction

Published on: April 26, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Tight junctions (TJs) are crucial for regulating paracellular transport in epithelial tissues.
  • Understanding TJ modulation is key for developing effective transmucosal drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To screen and identify lipids that can rapidly and reversibly alter TJ properties, specifically transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and permeability.
  • To evaluate the potential of identified TJ modulators for transmucosal drug delivery applications.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a microtiter-based screen to measure TER in bronchial/tracheal epithelial tissues.
  • Tested seven classes of lipids for their ability to modulate TJ activity.
  • Assessed cytotoxicity and enhanced permeation of FITC-labeled dextran.
  • Utilized immunofluorescence staining for TJ proteins (ZO-1, occludin, claudin 4).

Main Results:

  • Four classes of lipids—sphingosomes, alkylglycosides, oxidized lipids, and ether lipids—were identified as TJ modulators.
  • Several lipids achieved up to 95% TER reduction at non-cytotoxic concentrations.
  • Alkylglycosides exhibited high cytotoxicity, limiting their utility.
  • Enhanced permeation of FITC-dextran was observed with active lipids.
  • No significant changes in TJ structural morphology were detected via immunofluorescence.

Conclusions:

  • Sphingosomes, oxidized lipids, and ether lipids represent promising new classes of TJ modulators for transmucosal drug delivery.
  • These lipids offer potential for non-destructive, submicroscopic alteration of TJ function to enhance drug permeation.
  • The findings suggest a new strategy for improving drug absorption across epithelial barriers.