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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...

Adherens Junctions

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...

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...

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions

The adherens junctions that anchor cells together are multi-protein complexes that dynamically adapt to mechanical stimuli such as tensile forces and shear stress. Mechanosensory proteins in these junctions can sense such mechanical stimuli and undergo a shift in their conformation, resulting in an altered function — a process called mechanotransduction.
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...

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:...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

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

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

Claudins and other tight junction proteins.

Dorothee Günzel¹, Michael Fromm

¹Institute of Clinical Physiology, Charité, Universtätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität/Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany.

Comprehensive Physiology

|June 1, 2013

Summary

Tight junctions (TJs) regulate epithelial transport and barrier function. TJ proteins, including claudins and TJ-associated MARVEL proteins, control paracellular pathways, with roles in sealing, ion/water transport, and disease.

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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

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 11, 2026

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

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

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

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Epithelial Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Epithelial transport is critical for homeostasis, relying on tight junctions (TJs) to control paracellular permeability.
TJs prevent uncontrolled leakage of solutes and water, and maintain cell polarity by acting as fences.
TJ proteins, comprising claudins and TJ-associated MARVEL proteins (TAMPs), are key regulators of epithelial barrier function.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the diverse roles of tight junction proteins in epithelial transport.
To classify TJ proteins based on their function in paracellular transport (sealing vs. channel formation).
To highlight the involvement of TJ protein composition in various pathophysiological conditions.

Main Methods:

Review and classification of known TJ protein families (claudins, TAMPs).
Analysis of protein structures, including transmembrane regions and extracellular loops (ECLs).
Correlation of TJ protein function with paracellular transport selectivity (ions, water).

Main Results:

TJ proteins are categorized into sealing proteins (e.g., claudin-1, tricellulin) and channel-forming proteins (e.g., claudin-2 for water, claudin-10a/17 for anions, claudins 2/10b/15 for cations).
The function of several TJ proteins remains unclear due to inconsistent effects on epithelial barriers (e.g., claudins 4, 7, 8, 16, occludin).
TJ protein composition is dynamically regulated in response to pathogens, inflammation, infection, and cancer.

Conclusions:

Tight junctions are essential for epithelial barrier integrity and selective transport.
The diverse functions of TJ proteins, from sealing to selective channeling, underscore their complexity.
Alterations in TJ protein expression and composition are implicated in significant pathophysiological states, including cancer and infectious diseases.