Claudins and the modulation of tight junction permeability

Physiol Rev. 2013 Apr;93(2):525-69. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00019.2012.

Abstract

Claudins are tight junction membrane proteins that are expressed in epithelia and endothelia and form paracellular barriers and pores that determine tight junction permeability. This review summarizes our current knowledge of this large protein family and discusses recent advances in our understanding of their structure and physiological functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Claudins / chemistry
  • Claudins / genetics*
  • Claudins / metabolism*
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Humans
  • Permeability
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Tight Junctions / metabolism*

Substances

  • Claudins