Tight junctions
Tight Junctions
Tight junctions (pronunciation: /taɪt ˈdʒʌŋkʃənz/) are a type of cell-to-cell adhesion that seals the spaces between cells in epithelial and endothelial tissues. They are also known as occluding junctions or zonulae occludentes.
Etymology
The term "tight junction" is derived from the tight seal these junctions form. The term "occluding junction" comes from the Latin word "occludere", meaning "to close up".
Function
Tight junctions serve two major functions: they prevent the passage of molecules and ions through the space between cells, and they prevent the movement of integral membrane proteins between the apical and basolateral surfaces of the cell. This allows the cells to maintain polarity.
Structure
The structure of tight junctions is complex, involving several types of proteins, including occludin, claudins, and junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs). These proteins interact with each other and with other cellular structures to form the tight junction.
Related Terms
- Occludin: A transmembrane protein that is a component of tight junctions.
- Claudins: A family of proteins that are the most important components of tight junctions.
- Junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs): A family of proteins that are components of tight junctions and play a role in cell adhesion and tight junction assembly.
- Epithelial tissue: The type of tissue in which tight junctions are most commonly found.
- Endothelial tissue: Another type of tissue in which tight junctions are found.
- Cell polarity: The asymmetry in the shape, structure, and function of cells, which is maintained by tight junctions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tight junctions
- Wikipedia's article - Tight junctions
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