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Related Concept Videos

Tight Junctions01:29

Tight Junctions

6.5K
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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Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

28.2K
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

4.6K
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:...
4.6K
Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

56.4K
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...
56.4K
Gap Junctions01:27

Gap Junctions

9.0K
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...
9.0K
Epithelial Tissues and Their Functions01:23

Epithelial Tissues and Their Functions

35.6K
Epithelial tissues are large sheets of cells covering all of the surfaces of the body. These surfaces can be internal or external, for example, skin, airways, the digestive tract, the urinary system, and the reproductive system. Hollow organs and body cavities that do not connect to the body's exterior, including blood vessels and serous membranes, are lined by epithelial tissue known as the endothelium.
Epithelial tissues provide the body's first line of protection from physical,...
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A direct interaction of JAM-C with the tight junction scaffold protein ZO-2.

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ZO-1 shuttles between apical junctional complexes and podosomes by riding ERK activation waves.

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Low-Salt Diet Induces Claudin-3 Expression and Drives Adaptive Changes in Collecting Duct of Claudin-3-Deficient Mice.

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Context-dependent interactions among afadin, ZO-1, and actin filaments.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Ion Permeability in Native Tissue by Ussing Chamber Technique
06:43

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

Published on: May 26, 2021

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Tight Junction Structure and Function Revisited.

Tetsuhisa Otani1, Mikio Furuse1

  • 1Division of Cell Structure, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; Department of Physiological Sciences, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.

Trends in Cell Biology
|September 6, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Tight junctions (TJs) are crucial for epithelial barriers. Beyond claudins, new research highlights junctional adhesion molecules, lipids, and mechanical forces in TJ assembly and function.

Keywords:
epithelial barrierepithelial polaritymechanical forcemembrane microdomainphase separationtight junction

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Last Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Ion Permeability in Native Tissue by Ussing Chamber Technique
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Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Epithelial biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Tight junctions (TJs) form the epithelial barrier and maintain cell polarity.
  • Claudins are key proteins in TJ structure and function.
  • Emerging evidence points to claudin-independent mechanisms in TJ regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding TJ structure and function.
  • To highlight the roles of claudin-independent factors in TJ assembly.
  • To explore the dynamic interplay between TJ proteins and membrane lipids.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on TJ assembly and function.
  • Synthesis of data on claudin-independent TJ components.
  • Analysis of the role of scaffolding proteins and mechanical forces.

Main Results:

  • TJ function is regulated by more than just claudins.
  • Junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs), membrane lipids, and ZO protein phase separation are critical.
  • Mechanical forces influence TJ assembly and stability.

Conclusions:

  • TJ assembly is a complex process involving multiple interacting components.
  • A dynamic network of proteins and lipids drives TJ formation.
  • Future research directions in TJ biology and disease.