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Related Concept Videos

Tight Junctions01:29

Tight Junctions

6.7K
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...
6.7K
Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

28.5K
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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Anchoring Junctions01:03

Anchoring Junctions

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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:...
4.7K
Adherens Junctions01:24

Adherens Junctions

6.0K
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
6.0K
Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

56.6K
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...
56.6K
Gap Junctions01:27

Gap Junctions

9.2K
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...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 25, 2025

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

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Tricellular junctions.

Floris Bosveld1, Yohanns Bellaïche1

  • 1Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, F-75248 Paris Cedex 05, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, F-75005, France.

Current Biology : CB
|March 26, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study explores tricellular junctions, focusing on their structure, formation, and critical roles in how cells pack together, influence tissue mechanics, and mediate cellular communication.

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

  • Cell biology
  • Biophysics
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Tricellular junctions (TCJs) are specialized structures where three cells meet.
  • Their precise composition and assembly mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
  • TCJs are implicated in tissue integrity and cellular signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize current knowledge on the molecular composition and assembly of TCJs.
  • To discuss the functional significance of TCJs in cell packing, tissue mechanics, and signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
  • Analysis of structural and functional data on TCJs.

Main Results:

  • TCJs are formed by specific molecular complexes at the interface of three cells.
  • Their assembly involves dynamic processes regulated by cytoskeletal elements and adhesion molecules.
  • TCJs play crucial roles in organizing cell arrangements and maintaining tissue homeostasis.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding TCJ composition and assembly is vital for comprehending tissue development and function.
  • TCJs represent key regulatory hubs for cell-cell interactions and tissue-level properties.