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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...
Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

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 Junctions01:14

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...
Adherens Junctions01:24

Adherens Junctions

Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types –  adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as  epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as  heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Gap Junctions01:27

Gap Junctions

The cytoplasm of adjacent animal cells can exchange small molecules, ions, and secondary messengers via the communication channels which form the gap junctions. These junctions comprise a few hundred to thousands of molecular channels, each made of two halves, called the connexon hemichannel. A connexon is a hexamer of six transmembrane connexin proteins, which assemble radially, thus forming a pore or channel in the center. One connexon hemichannel docks with a corresponding connexon on the...
Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

Multicellular organisms employ a variety of ways for cells to communicate with each other. Gap junctions are specialized proteins that form pores between neighboring cells in animals, connecting the cytoplasm between the two, and allowing for the exchange of molecules and ions. They are found in a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate species, mediate numerous functions including cell differentiation and development, and are associated with numerous human diseases, including cardiac and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Ion Permeability in Native Tissue by Ussing Chamber Technique
06:43

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

Published on: May 26, 2021

Claudin-4: functional studies beyond the tight junction.

Holly A Eckelhoefer, Thejani E Rajapaksa, Jing Wang

    Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
    |July 1, 2011
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Claudin-4, a protein in epithelial cells, is being studied for targeted drug delivery. Researchers are exploring its potential to transport therapeutic cargo, like nanoparticles, to specific M cells in mucosal tissues.

    More Related Videos

    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

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: May 31, 2026

    Functional Assessment of Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Ion Permeability in Native Tissue by Ussing Chamber Technique
    06:43

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

    Published on: May 26, 2021

    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

    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Cell Biology
    • Nanotechnology

    Background:

    • Claudin-4 is a unique claudin family member involved in epithelial tight junctions.
    • Claudin-4 also functions as a receptor for Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin.
    • Claudin-4 expression and localization are altered in mucosal epithelium M cells.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the regulation of claudin-4 in mucosal M cells.
    • To explore the potential of claudin-4 as a target for drug delivery systems.
    • To develop ligands specific to claudin-4 for targeted delivery of therapeutic cargo.

    Main Methods:

    • Studying claudin-4 movement within epithelial cells.
    • Investigating the targeted delivery of nanoparticles via claudin-4 binding.
    • Utilizing poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles for cargo delivery.

    Main Results:

    • Claudin-4 exhibits increased expression and redistribution into endocytosis vesicles in M cells.
    • Methods for studying claudin-4 dynamics in epithelial cells were established.
    • The potential for targeted nanoparticle delivery to M cells through claudin-4 was demonstrated.

    Conclusions:

    • Claudin-4's unique properties offer a novel target for therapeutic interventions.
    • Targeted delivery to mucosal M cells via claudin-4 is a promising strategy.
    • Further research into claudin-4 specific ligands could advance targeted nanomedicine.