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Related Concept Videos

Tight Junctions01:29

Tight Junctions

6.8K
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...
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Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

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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...
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Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

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Anchoring Junctions01:03

Anchoring Junctions

4.2K
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:...
4.2K
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions01:26

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions

3.1K
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...
3.1K
Adherens Junctions01:24

Adherens Junctions

5.8K
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
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Related Experiment Video

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Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor
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Molecular aspects of tight junction barrier function.

Guo Hua Liang1, Christopher R Weber1

  • 1Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.

Current Opinion in Pharmacology
|August 17, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Epithelial tight junctions maintain barrier function, regulating nutrient and ion absorption. Dysfunction in these tight junctions contributes to diseases like diarrhea and malnutrition, impacting global health.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Physiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Epithelial cells form barriers in multicellular organisms, regulating absorption and secretion.
  • Tight junctions seal intercellular spaces, maintaining concentration gradients essential for proper function.
  • Increased tight junction permeability is linked to diseases in organs like the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and lungs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical role of epithelial tight junctions in maintaining physiological homeostasis.
  • To underscore the pathological significance of compromised tight junction integrity in various diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on epithelial biology and tight junction function.
  • Analysis of the impact of tight junction dysfunction on organ systems.
  • Examination of the link between epithelial barrier defects and disease states.

Main Results:

  • Tight junctions are crucial for preventing the dissipation of concentration gradients via the paracellular space.
  • Elevated tight junction permeability is a common feature in gastrointestinal, renal, and pulmonary diseases.
  • Epithelial barrier dysfunction in the intestines significantly contributes to diarrhea and malnutrition.

Conclusions:

  • Maintaining the integrity of epithelial tight junctions is vital for overall health.
  • Therapeutic strategies targeting tight junction function could address diseases associated with barrier dysfunction.
  • Further research into epithelial barrier mechanisms is warranted to combat global health challenges.