Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Induction of Adhesion-dependent Signals Using Low-intensity Ultrasound
Published on: May 8, 2012
Induction of epithelial tight junctions by a light chain protein isolated from a patient with Fanconi's syndrome
Abstract:
Tight junctions have not been described in the adult human glomerulus. In a 22-year-old patient with kappa light chain proteinuria, tight junctions were observed between glomerular epithelial cell foot processes (kidney biopsy). The light chain isolated from urine proved to have a relatively high isoelectric point. When the light chain was exposed in vitro to the mucosal surface of a 'leaky' epithelium, the Necturus gallbladder, transepithelial resistance and potential difference increased in a concentration-dependent, reversible manner and NaCl dilution potentials decreased, consistent with a reduction in tight-junctional ionic permeability. Gallbladders fixed in situ and freeze-fractured during peak electrophysiological responses revealed an increase in tight-junctional depth. This report indicates that certain light chains, possibly by virtue of a positive charge, may induce changes in epithelial tight junction structure and/or permeability.
Related Concept Videos
Anchoring Junctions
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...
Adherens Junctions
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Tight Junctions
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...

