Molecular Structure And Function Of The Tight Junction

Aim of this volume is to clarify the relationship between molecular structure and function of tight junction proteins, as well as their regulation and their role in diseases. Current research may form a basis for future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to diseases which seem to have not much in common but are characterized by defects of organ barriers, like Crohn's disease, renal hypertension, inner ear deafness, and cancerous diseases. Topics include the functions of distinct tight junction proteins as barrier or channel formers for solutes and water, characteristics of the tight junction in inflammatory bowel diseases, posttranslational modifications of tight junction proteins, the relation between renal tight junction proteins and blood pressure control, and the molecular structure of claudin-claudin interactions NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas. ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http://www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information about becoming a member.

As the first detailed overview of the subject, Tight Junctions brought together diverse perspectives from leading investigators to provide a multidisciplinary overview of the field. Since its publication in 1992, there has been an explosion of information about tight junctions, particularly in the area of molecular structure, cell and molecular bio

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.

A Laboratory Guide to the Tight Junction offers broad coverage of the unique methods required to investigate its characteristics. The methods are described in detail, including its biochemical and biophysical principles, step-by-step process, data analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization. The coverage includes various cell, tissue, and animal models. Chapter 1 provides the foundations of cell biology of tight junction. Chapter 2 covers the Biochemical approaches for paracellular channels and is followed by chapter 3 providing the Biophysical approaches. Chapter 4 describes and discusses Histological approaches for tissue fixation and preparation. Chapter 5 discusses Light microscopy, while chapter 6 presents Electron microscopic approaches. Chapter 7 covers Transgenic manipulation in cell cultures, including DNA and siRNA, Mutagenesis, and viral infection. Chapter 8 covers transgenic manipulation in mice, including: Knockout, Knockin, siRNA knockdown, GFP/LacZ reporter, and overexpression. The final chapter discusses the future developments of new approaches for tight junction research. Researchers and advanced students in bioscience working on topics of cell junction, ion channel and membrane protein will benefit from the described methods. Clinicians and pathologists interested in tissue barrier diseases will also benefit from the biochemical and biophysical characterization of tight junctions in organ systems, and their connection to human diseases. Provides consistent and detailed research methods Covers various cell, tissue and animal models Includes step-by-step guidance from beginner to sophisticated levels

Current Topics in Membranes

The tight junction is a network of integral and peripheral membrane proteins that facilitate selective ion and solute flux across epithelial monolayers. The functions of some tight junction proteins have been defined, including the role of claudin family members in facilitating paracellular ion transport, and the crucial role of zonula occludens (ZO) family members in recruiting claudins to the tight junction. However, the function relevance of occludin, the first identified transmembrane component of the tight junction, is controversial. Here I provide evidence that a previously undefined family of tight junction-associated MARVEL proteins (TAMPs), composed of occludin, tricellulin, and the novel protein marvelD3, fulfill partially redundant but distinct functions. TAMPs are differentially expressed at the tight junction in a variety of epithelial organs, are required for efficient tight junction assembly, display distinct dynamic behaviors at bicellular and tricellular tight junctions, and are uniquely redistributed in an in vivo model of colitis. Furthermore, my data indicate that CK2-mediated phosphorylation of occludin, the most extensively characterized TAMP, induces molecular remodeling of the tight junction, and enhances paracellular ion flux across epithelial monolayers. In the absence of CK2 activity, occludin forms a complex with ZO-1 and claudin-2, increasing the dynamic behavior of both, and destabilizing the size- and charge-selective claudin-2 pores that facilitate paracellular flux. Conversely, occludin phosphorylation by CK2 promotes occludin self-assembly, and releases ZO-1 and claudin-2, which then collaborate to form cation-specific pores that reduce transepithelial resistance. These data, as well as the identification of marvelD3, provide a new framework with which to understand the contributions of the tight junction to epithelial biology.

The integument plays an important role in the survival of meta zoans by separating and protecting them from a hostile environ ment. Its function ranges from protection against injury and in fection; partlcipation in the regulation of body temperature and water balance, to respiratory activity, monitoring of the environ ment and production of signals related to behaviour. All these result from specific structural, biochemical and physiological properties of intra-and extracellular components of the integu ment. Thus its characterization can be best accomplished by a multidisciplinary approach with authors specialized in different fields of science. This multi-author book, in two volumes, provides an up-to date survey of the literature. The first volume deals with the integument of invertebrates, the second with that of vertebrates, both organized primarily on a phylum basis. As the level of knowledge on the integument of phyla differs considerably, the information provided is correspondingly either limited or con densed. For some of the smaller groups of invertebrates little information is available, as often only a few electron micrographs are to be found in the literature; on the other hand, from the large body of knowledge existing for vertebrates, particularly for mammals, no complete overview can be provided, but publica tions giving access to further information have been reviewed critically.

This book provides an updated account of tight junctions of different epithelia and endothelia and addresses their anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, synthesis, assembly, and modulation. It also discusses the relationship between molecular structure, function, regulation, posttranslational modifications of tight junction proteins and their role in gut microbiota maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and intestinal barrier dysfunction-associated disorders important for the progression of human cancers. This book presents the pathological alterations of tight junctions at the blood-brain barrier that intensify or even initiate neurological dysfunction. Further, it reviews the significance of tight junctions and tight junction proteins in cancer development, infectious diseases, allergic reactions, and autoimmune disorders. Lastly, it highlights strategies for modulating tight junctions to enhance drug availability and organ deposition. This book is immensely useful for basic, translational, clinical, and interdisciplinary cancer researchers, practicing oncologists, and immunologists.