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Related Concept Videos

Tight Junctions01:29

Tight Junctions

5.3K
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

25.6K
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

3.8K
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:...
3.8K
Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

53.0K
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...
53.0K
Contact-dependent Signaling01:19

Contact-dependent Signaling

44.7K
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...
44.7K
Adherens Junctions01:24

Adherens Junctions

4.8K
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
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2025

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

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Tight junctions.

Maria S Balda1, Karl Matter1

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

Current Biology : CB
|November 7, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cellular barriers, like the blood-brain barrier, maintain bodily functions. Tight junctions (TJs) are key to forming and regulating these essential diffusion barriers and cell behaviors.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Semipermeable cellular diffusion barriers are crucial for physiological functions, maintaining distinct internal compartments.
  • Epithelial and endothelial cells form these barriers, relying on intercellular junctions for integrity.
  • Disruptions in these barriers lead to various pathologies, including edema and diarrhea.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structure, assembly, and barrier functions of tight junctions (TJs).
  • To explore the roles of adherens junctions (AJs) and focal adhesions in barrier regulation.
  • To discuss additional TJ functions in cell polarity, gene expression, and cell behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on tight junctions, adherens junctions, and focal adhesions.
  • Analysis of the structural and functional roles of intercellular junctions in barrier formation.
  • Discussion of TJ involvement in cell surface polarity and gene regulation.

Main Results:

  • Tight junctions (TJs) are fundamental for creating and maintaining cellular diffusion barriers.
  • Adherens junctions (AJs) and focal adhesions play critical roles in regulating barrier function.
  • TJs also influence cell polarity, gene expression, and overall cell behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Tight junctions are essential for physiological barrier functions and cellular homeostasis.
  • Understanding TJ structure and function is vital for addressing barrier-related pathologies.
  • TJs have multifaceted roles extending beyond barrier formation to cellular regulation.