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Related Concept Videos

Tight Junctions01:29

Tight Junctions

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...
Anchoring Junctions01:03

Anchoring Junctions

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

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

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 Junctions
Tight...
Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

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 Junctions
Tight...
Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

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...
Gap Junctions01:27

Gap Junctions

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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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor
11:17

Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor

Published on: February 10, 2014

Tight junction structure, assembly and (dys)function.

Dorothee Günzel1, Martin Lehmann2, Alf Honigmann3,4

  • 1Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Berlin, Germany. dorothee.guenzel@charite.de.

Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|June 3, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Tight junctions (TJs) form essential cell barriers, adapting structure and function via claudin networks and scaffold proteins. This review covers TJ assembly, maintenance, lumen formation, and therapeutic targeting for diseases.

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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

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor
11:17

Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor

Published on: February 10, 2014

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

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Tight junctions (TJs) are crucial for epithelial and endothelial barrier integrity.
  • They control paracellular permeability, cell polarity, and tissue mechanics.
  • Dysfunction of TJs is implicated in various human diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the adaptive structure and function of tight junctions across different tissues.
  • To explore the role of claudin-based networks and scaffold proteins in TJ regulation.
  • To discuss TJ assembly, maintenance, lumen formation, and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent advances in TJ research.
  • Analysis of TJ assembly mechanisms, including biomolecular condensation.
  • Examination of TJ regulation by scaffold proteins and actin dynamics.

Main Results:

  • TJ structure and function are highly adaptable, involving claudin strands and scaffold proteins.
  • Biomolecular condensation is a key mechanism for TJ assembly, integrating multiple cellular cues.
  • TJ maintenance involves dynamic protein turnover and long-term developmental remodeling.
  • TJ dysfunction contributes to human diseases, presenting therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • Tight junctions are dynamic structures essential for tissue homeostasis and barrier function.
  • Understanding TJ assembly and regulation offers insights into disease pathogenesis.
  • Targeting TJ proteins presents promising therapeutic avenues for various pathologies.