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Related Concept Videos

Tight Junctions01:29

Tight Junctions

8.5K
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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Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

58.2K
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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Gap Junctions01:27

Gap Junctions

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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...
10.5K
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...
31.5K
Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

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31.0K
Contact-dependent Signaling01:19

Contact-dependent Signaling

48.4K
Contact-dependent signaling, as the name suggests, requires that communicating cells be in direct contact with each other. This is achieved either through receptor-ligand interactions or by specialized cytoplasmic channels that allow the flow of small molecules between cells. In animal cells, channels called gap junctions facilitate contact-dependent signaling in certain tissues, whereas, plasmodesmata perform a similar function in plants.
Gap Junctions
In animal cells, gap junctions are formed...
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Tight junctions: from simple barriers to multifunctional molecular gates.

Ceniz Zihni1, Clare Mills1, Karl Matter1

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK.

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Summary

Tight junctions form selective gates in epithelia and endothelia, controlling paracellular diffusion and cell polarity. Recent advances reveal their complex molecular architecture and diverse cellular functions.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Epithelial and endothelial cells form barriers crucial for organismal protection.
  • Tight junctions (TJs) regulate paracellular transport and maintain cell polarity.
  • TJs are integrated with cellular signaling networks and the cytoskeleton.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize recent advances in understanding tight junction molecular architecture.
  • To explore the diverse cellular functions associated with tight junctions.
  • To highlight the role of TJs in cell signaling and adhesion.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on tight junctions.
  • Analysis of molecular structures and functional assays.
  • Integration of data on signaling pathways and cell adhesion.

Main Results:

  • Detailed insights into the molecular composition and organization of TJs.
  • Demonstration of TJs' roles beyond barrier function, including cell behavior regulation.
  • Elucidation of TJ connections to cytoskeleton, nucleus, and other adhesion complexes.

Conclusions:

  • Tight junctions are complex structures with multifaceted roles in cellular organization and signaling.
  • Advances in understanding TJ molecular architecture are revealing new functional insights.
  • TJs are critical hubs integrating various cellular processes.