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Physiological functions of junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs) in tight junctions
Christian Hartmann1, Ysabel Alessa Schwietzer1, Tetsuhisa Otani2
1Institute-associated Research Group: Cell Adhesion and Cell Polarity, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, ZMBE, University of Münster, Germany.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Biomembranes
|April 6, 2020
Summary
Junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs) are crucial for vertebrate development and homeostasis. This review focuses on JAM proteins
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Physiology
Background:
- Junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs) are immunoglobulin superfamily adhesion receptors.
- JAMs play vital roles in vertebrate development and homeostasis.
- Several JAMs are found at tight junctions in epithelial and endothelial cells, interacting with PDZ scaffolding proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of JAM family proteins' contribution to barrier function.
- To focus on the role of JAMs in epithelial and endothelial tight junctions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on JAM proteins and barrier function.
- Analysis of studies focusing on JAMs in epithelial and endothelial tight junctions.
Main Results:
- JAMs are integral to cell-cell contact maturation and tight junction formation.
- The precise roles of some JAM family members in barrier-forming epithelia remain incompletely understood.
- JAMs critically influence the integrity of epithelial and endothelial barriers.
Conclusions:
- JAM proteins are essential regulators of epithelial and endothelial barrier function.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the roles of all JAM family members in maintaining tissue integrity.
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