Claudins
Claudins (pronounced: klaw-dins) are a family of proteins that are integral to the formation of Tight junctions in Epithelial cells and Endothelial cells. They were first identified in 1998 and are named after the Latin word "claudere", meaning "to close", due to their role in sealing cellular gaps.
Etymology
The term "Claudins" is derived from the Latin word "claudere", which means "to close". This name was chosen because these proteins play a crucial role in closing the gaps between cells, thereby forming a barrier that regulates the movement of molecules in the intercellular space.
Function
Claudins are crucial for the formation of Tight junctions, which are a type of cell-cell adhesion that prevents the leakage of molecules between cells. They are found in both Epithelial cells and Endothelial cells, where they contribute to the integrity of the Blood-brain barrier and other barriers in the body.
Types of Claudins
There are at least 27 members of the Claudin family in humans, each encoded by a different gene. These include Claudin-1, Claudin-2, Claudin-3, and so on. Each Claudin has a unique pattern of expression and function, contributing to the diversity of tight junctions in different tissues.
Related Terms
- Tight junctions: A type of cell-cell adhesion that prevents the leakage of molecules between cells.
- Epithelial cells: The cells that line the surfaces of the body, including the skin, blood vessels, urinary tract, and organs.
- Endothelial cells: The cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
- Blood-brain barrier: A highly selective semipermeable border of endothelial cells that prevents solutes in the circulating blood from non-selectively crossing into the extracellular fluid of the central nervous system.
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