Tight Junction Proteins and Cell Barriers

Tight junction proteins form seals between neighboring cells. These molecular barriers help stop fluids, ions, and other small solutes from leaking across body cavities and tissue compartments in multicellular organisms. They are an important part of cell barriers in places where controlled movement matters.

In organs such as kidneys and  intestines, the epithelial cells are sealed together with tight junctions to prevent the flow of macromolecules, ions, and small solutes through the paracellular space.

Tight junctions mainly comprise claudin and occludin transmembrane proteins, each with four membrane-spanning alpha-helices.

Rows of ...