title: Tight Junctions and the Tumor Microenvironment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Tight junctions (TJs) are specialized differentiations of epithelial and endothelial cell membranes. TJs play an important role in the adhesion of cells and their interaction with each other. Most cancers originate from epithelial cells. Thus, it is of significance to examine the role of TJs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and how they affect cancer metastasis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In epithelium-derived cancers, intactness of the primary tumor mass is influenced by intercellular structures as well as cell-to-cell adhesion. Irregularities of these factors may lead to tumor dissociation and subsequent metastasis. Low expression of TJs is observed among highly metastatic cancer cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this review, we summarized findings from current literature in consideration of the role of TJs in relation to the TME and cancer. Deeper understanding of the mechanisms leading to TJ dysregulation is needed to facilitate the design and conceptualization of new and better therapeutic strategies for cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Wurzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Ellaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Salvador
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Wurzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Malgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burek
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Wurzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Carola Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Förster
keywords: Cancer; Intercellular permeability; Metastasis; Tight junctions; Tumor microenvironment