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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...

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated

Stimuli-activated drug delivery systems are designed to release drugs in response to specific physical, chemical, or biological stimuli. These systems often utilize hydrogels—three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks capable of swelling in aqueous environments and retaining significant fluid volumes. Upon exposure to particular stimuli, these hydrogels undergo structural transitions that allow the embedded drug to be released. Due to this adaptive behavior, such systems are also called...

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) enable the controlled release of drugs across the skin into systemic circulation. They are particularly advantageous for drugs with short half-lives or narrow therapeutic indices, as they maintain consistent plasma concentrations and reduce the risk of subtherapeutic or toxic levels.TDDS are categorized into monolithic, reservoir, and mixed systems. Monolithic systems embed the drug in a polymer matrix, where diffusion governs release. Reservoir systems...

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II

Rate-programmed drug delivery systems release drugs in a controlled manner to maintain therapeutic levels. Three main designs include reservoir, matrix, and hybrid systems.Reservoir systems consist of a drug core enclosed within a membrane that controls drug release. In non-swelling reservoir systems, polymers like ethyl cellulose or polymethacrylates are used. These do not hydrate in aqueous media and control release through membrane thickness, porosity, or insolubility. This type includes...

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed I

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed I

Rate-programmed drug delivery systems (DDS) are designed to release drugs at specific, controlled rates to maintain consistent therapeutic levels. These systems are categorized based on their release mechanisms, including dissolution-controlled DDS, diffusion-controlled DDS, and combined dissolution-diffusion-controlled DDS.In dissolution-controlled DDS, the release rate depends on the slow dissolution of the drug itself or the surrounding matrix. Drugs with inherently slow dissolution rates,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers

Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers

Published on: October 17, 2013

Tight junction modulator and drug delivery.

Koji Matsuhisa¹, Masuo Kondoh, Azusa Takahashi

¹Department of Bio Functional Molecular Chemistry, Osaka University, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan. masuo@phs.osaka-u.ac.jp

Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery

|May 6, 2009

Summary

Modulating tight junctions (TJs) enhances drug absorption. This review explores TJ modulators for improved drug delivery across epithelial and endothelial barriers, advancing pharmaceutical technology.

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers

Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers

Published on: October 17, 2013

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Ion Permeability in Native Tissue by Ussing Chamber Technique

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Ion Permeability in Native Tissue by Ussing Chamber Technique

Published on: May 26, 2021

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

Area of Science:

Pharmaceutical Technology
Cell Biology
Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

Genomic and proteomic research yields diverse drug candidates (chemicals, peptides, antibodies, nucleic acids).
Effective drug delivery requires absorption into systemic circulation and tissue penetration.
Epithelial and endothelial cell layers, crucial for bodily barriers, possess tight junctions (TJs) that restrict molecular transport.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advancements in tight junction (TJ) modulator development.
To explore the potential of TJ modulation for enhancing drug absorption.
To discuss TJ components as a basis for novel drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent progress in TJ modulator research.
Analysis of TJ components and their role in cellular barriers.
Exploration of TJ modulation strategies for drug delivery applications.

Main Results:

Tight junctions (TJs) present a significant barrier to drug absorption.
Modulation of TJ components offers a promising strategy to overcome these barriers.
Development of TJ modulators is advancing for enhanced drug delivery.

Conclusions:

Targeting tight junctions is a key strategy for improving the efficacy of various drug candidates.
TJ modulators hold potential as absorption enhancers and integral components of advanced drug delivery systems.
Further research into TJ modulation can significantly impact pharmaceutical technology and therapeutic outcomes.