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Localization of the 7H6 antigen at tight junctions correlates with the paracellular barrier function of MDCK cells

Y Zhong1, K Enomoto, H Isomura

  • 1Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Japan.

Experimental Cell Research
|October 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

The 7H6 antigen, a tight junction-associated protein, is crucial for maintaining cell barrier function. Its localization and phosphorylation at tight junctions directly correlate with the integrity of the epithelial barrier in MDCK cells.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Epithelial Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Tight junctions form a selective barrier in epithelial cells, regulating paracellular transport.
  • The specific molecular components responsible for tight junction barrier function remain largely unidentified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the 7H6 tight junction-associated antigen in the barrier function of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells.
  • To determine the correlation between 7H6 antigen localization and tight junction permeability.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell monolayers to assess tight junction integrity.
  • Measured transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and lanthanum permeation to evaluate barrier function.
  • Investigated the localization and phosphorylation status of the 7H6 antigen under various conditions.

Main Results:

  • 7H6 antigen localization at tight junctions correlated with high transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and low lanthanum permeability.
  • Treatment with metabolic inhibitors disrupted tight junction barrier function, leading to 7H6 antigen loss from tight junctions while ZO-1 remained.
  • Recovery of barrier function was accompanied by the reappearance of 7H6 antigen at tight junctions.
  • 7H6 antigen was identified as a phosphorylated protein, with phosphorylation linked to its tight junction localization.

Conclusions:

  • The 7H6 antigen is a key component involved in maintaining the selective barrier function of tight junctions.
  • Phosphorylation of the 7H6 antigen plays a critical role in its proper localization and function at tight junctions.
  • These findings identify 7H6 as a potential molecular marker for tight junction barrier integrity.

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