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The Claudins: From Tight Junctions to Biological Systems
Sachiko Tsukita1, Hiroo Tanaka1, Atsushi Tamura1
1Laboratory of Biological Science, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences and Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|January 23, 2019
Summary
Claudins, proteins at cell tight junctions, form linear strands that control barrier and channel functions. Their structure and function are key to organizing biological systems.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Molecular biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Claudins are essential cell-cell adhesion molecules found in tight junctions (TJs).
- Mammalian claudins comprise 27 proteins with four transmembrane domains.
- They are crucial for TJ paracellular barrier and channel functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the structure and function of claudins within tight junctions.
- To elucidate the proposed 'antiparallel double row model' of claudin polymerization.
- To clarify the role of claudin-based TJs in organizing biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent breakthroughs in claudin molecular structure.
- Evaluation of the 'antiparallel double row model'.
- Review of ongoing cell and tissue-level studies.
Main Results:
- Claudins polymerize linearly to form TJ strands.
- These strands provide both paracellular barrier and channel functions.
- Claudin-based TJs exhibit robust yet flexible organization.
Conclusions:
- The 'antiparallel double row model' provides a framework for understanding claudin polymerization and TJ strand formation.
- Claudin structure directly relates to TJ barrier and channel activities.
- Understanding claudin function is vital for comprehending the organization of diverse biological systems.
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