Tight Junctions provides a state-of-the-art view on Tight Junctions (TJs). Starting with an analysis of the evolutionary development of a transporting epithelium in early metazoans, the book describes the current TJ structure and function information, including the present day evidence supporting the presence of ion channels within TJs. Particular emphasis is given to the lessons learned from cell culture models, mutant mice and heritable human diseases. To highlight the modern vision of TJs as signaling complexes, the book discusses the establishment of TJs during development, the shuttling of TJ proteins between the plasma membrane and the nucleus, and the role of TJ proteins in cell cycle progression and cancer.

This volume explores the dynamic topic of tight junctions. The book focuses on tight junctions' role in sealing adjacent epithelial cells in a narrow band just beneath their apical surface. The book explains how tight junctions consist of a network of claudins and other proteins, and delves into how they hold cells together and form functional and protective barriers, regulating the passage of molecules and ions through the space between cells. The book opens with a discussion of the evolution of research on tight junctions, discussing a range of primary areas of growth, including the current knowledge on the particular physiological function of different claudins due to the development of an array of knock out mice. The chapters also explore in-depth studies of tight junctions in specific tissues (gut, lung and endothelia). This book offers a comprehensive understanding on post-translational modifications of occludin and its impact on tight junction function, as well as the molecular composition and function of tricellular tight junctions. This volume is particularly relevant to students and scientists in neuroscience, cell biology, physiology, cell differentiation, and cancer research.

This book provides state-of-the-art insight into Tight Junctions (TJs), the intersection of epithelial and endothelial cells in various tissues. Opening with an analysis of the evolutionary development of a transporting epithelium in early metazoans, the book describes current understanding of TJ structure and function information, including evidence supporting the presence of ion channels within TJs. Also deals with TJs of central nervous system myelin and at the blood brain barrier.