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.

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

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.

The Paracellular Channel: Biology, Physiology and Disease serves as the first volume to offer a cohesive and unifying picture of the critical functions of paracellular channels (tight junctions) in different tissues. This new class of ion channel utilizes a completely different mechanism to create ion passage pathways across the cell junction. This volume outlines common principles that govern the organization and regulation of these diverse cellular structures, describes the methodology of study, and highlights the pathophysiologic consequence of abnormal structure and functions of the paracellular channels in human diseases. Coverage includes biochemical, biophysical, structural, physiologic analyses of the paracellular channel, and new technologies for recording and characterization.

This text examines past and current progress on the structural, biochemical and molecular characterization of specialized cell-cell junctions in various types of epithelial tissue. Special attention is devoted to the recent characterization of specific protein components of junctions, and to questions of structure/function relationships in development, disease and phylogeny in epithelial junctions.

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.