The Tight Junction and Its Proteins: More Than Just a Barrier

Dear Colleagues,

Tight junctions (TJ) are named according to their classical function to seal the cleft between epithelial and endothelial cells against unwanted passage of solutes and water. Main protein families of the TJ are claudins, TJ-associated MARVEL proteins (TAMP, including occludin and tricellulin), junctional adhesion molecules (JAM), and angulins, most of which being connected to the cytoskeleton via adapters like zonula occludens (ZO) proteins.

TJ proteins do not only form barriers but, in contrast, some constitute paracellular ion or water channels. First molecular structures of claudins and models of TJ channel pores are published. Besides the TJ between two neighboring cells being a specialized form, the tricellular TJ at sites where three cells meet are under investigation.

Apart from barrier and channel functions, TJ proteins are involved in many other processes. They can serve as receptors for pathogens and mediate immunological reactions. Studies on TJ molecular assembly and interactions give further insight into the complex machinery of the development and control of tissue formation and cell differentiation.

In several inflammatory diseases and during bacterial infections, TJ proteins are involved. In cancer, they serve as targets in tumor diagnostics and treatment; also, they can mediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition thereby facilitating tumorigenesis and metastasis.

Prof. Dr. Michael Fromm
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Susanne M. Krug
Guest Editors

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