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Related Concept Videos

Tight Junctions01:29

Tight Junctions

8.8K
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...
8.8K
Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

32.1K
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...
32.1K
Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

32.6K
32.6K
Anchoring Junctions01:03

Anchoring Junctions

5.6K
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:...
5.6K
Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

58.5K
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...
58.5K
Gap Junctions01:27

Gap Junctions

10.7K
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...
10.7K

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Updated: Apr 3, 2026

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

Jesús M Torres-Flores1, Carlos F Arias2

  • 1Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico. jmtorres@ibt.unam.mx.

Viruses
|September 26, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Viruses exploit tight junctions (TJs), crucial for cell polarity and barrier function, for entry, replication, and spread. Understanding TJ proteins is key to deciphering viral infection strategies.

Keywords:
JAM-APDZZO-1claudinsoccludintight junctionsvirus

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Tight junctions (TJs) are vital membrane domains regulating paracellular transport and cell polarity in epithelial cells.
  • Increasing evidence shows viruses hijack TJ components for their life cycles, affecting at least nine viral families.
  • TJ proteins like JAM-A and claudins are implicated in viral entry, replication, dissemination, and egress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical roles of tight junctions in viral infection processes.
  • To highlight how viruses utilize TJ proteins for entry, replication, dissemination, and exit.
  • To emphasize the importance of studying TJ proteins for understanding viral pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on viral interactions with tight junctions.
  • Analysis of viral hijacking mechanisms involving TJ proteins.
  • Synthesis of findings on TJ protein involvement in viral life cycles.

Main Results:

  • Viruses from at least nine families utilize TJ proteins for various stages of infection.
  • Specific TJ proteins (e.g., JAM-A, claudins) act as viral receptors or co-receptors.
  • Viruses modulate TJ protein expression and localization to facilitate infection and spread.

Conclusions:

  • Tight junctions are essential targets and facilitators for numerous viruses infecting epithelial and endothelial cells.
  • Understanding TJ-virus interactions is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
  • Further research into TJ proteins will illuminate viral replication and pathogenesis.