Functions of claudin tight junction proteins and their complex interactions in various physiological systems.

Members of the claudin family of proteins are the main components of tight junctions (TJs), the major selective barrier of the paracellular pathway between epithelial cells. As such, the claudins have the ability to generate the TJ physiological barrier and to control various physiological processes. Therefore, the importance of this family of proteins is obvious and many efforts were made to reveal different aspects of claudin TJ protein biology.

Double gene deletion reveals lack of cooperation between claudin 11 and claudin 14 tight junction proteins.

Members of the claudin family of proteins are the main components of tight junctions (TJs), the major selective barrier of the paracellular pathway between epithelial cells. The selectivity and specificity of TJ strands are determined by the type of claudins present. An understanding of the cooperation between different claudins in various tissues is thus important.