title: JAM-related proteins in mucosal homeostasis and inflammation.
abstract: Mucosal surfaces are lined by epithelial cells that form a physical barrier protecting the body against external noxious substances and pathogens. At a molecular level, the mucosal barrier is regulated by tight junctions (TJs) that seal the paracellular space between adjacent epithelial cells. Transmembrane proteins within TJs include junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs) that belong to the cortical thymocyte marker for Xenopus family of proteins. JAM family encompasses three classical members (JAM-A, JAM-B, and JAM-C) and related molecules including JAM4, JAM-like protein, Coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR), CAR-like membrane protein and endothelial cell-selective adhesion molecule. JAMs have multiple functions that include regulation of endothelial and epithelial paracellular permeability, leukocyte recruitment during inflammation, angiogenesis, cell migration, and proliferation. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the roles of the JAM family members in the regulation of mucosal homeostasis and leukocyte trafficking with a particular emphasis on barrier function and its perturbation during pathological inflammation.
authors.affiliation: Epithelial pathobiology and mucosal inflammation research unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, 30306, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Anny-Claude
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Luissint
authors.forename: Asma
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nusrat
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Parkos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D057705:Transendothelial and Transepithelial Migration
chemical_list: D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules