GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -To date two components of the TJ filaments have been identified: occludin and claudin. The latter is a protein family with more than 20 members. Both occludin and claudins are integral proteins capable of interacting adhesively with complementary molecules on adjacent cells and of co-polymerizing laterally.

Detailed explanation-2: -Both occludin and claudin interact with scaffolding proteins (ZO-1, -2, and-3) and occludin interacts with the signalling molecule FAK. These interactions with scaffolding proteins connect occludin and claudin to the actin cytoskeleton and allow localization of cell signalling molecules to tight junctions.

Detailed explanation-3: -Claudins are tight junction membrane proteins that are expressed in epithelia and endothelia and form paracellular barriers and pores that determine tight junction permeability.

Detailed explanation-4: -Tight junctions regulate the paracellular pathway for the movement of ions and solutes in-between cells. Tight junctions consist of the transmembrane proteins occludin and claudin, and the cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins ZO-1, -2, and-3.

Detailed explanation-5: -The tight junction protein, occludin, regulates the directional migration of epithelial cells. Dev Cell. 2010 Jan 19; 18(1):52-63. doi: 10.1016/j.