Interactions of tight junctions with membrane channels and transporters.
Tight junctions are unique organelles in epithelial cells. They are localized to the apico-lateral region and essential for the epithelial cell transport functions. The paracellular transport process that occurs via tight junctions is extensively studied and is intricately regulated by various extracellular and intracellular signals. Fine regulation of this transport pathway is crucial for normal epithelial cell functions. Among factors that control tight junction permeability are ions and their transporters. However, this area of research is still in its infancy and much more needs to be learned about how these molecules regulate tight junction structure and functions. In this review we have attempted to compile literature on ion transporters and channels involved in the regulation of tight junctions.
Rajasekaran
Sigrid A
SA
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Beyenbach
Klaus W
KW
Rajasekaran
Ayyappan K
AK
D000818:Animals; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000502:physiology; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D008958:Models, Molecular; D019899:Paracrine Communication; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D019108:Tight Junctions / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D007473:Ion Channels; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase