2018 Volume 33 Issue 4 Pages 268-272
Organisms developed epithelium separating intra and outer body in the evolution from unicellular to multicellular organisms. Intercellular spaces are sealed by tight junctions (TJs) between the adjacent cells. TJs exhibit barrier-function to prevent leakage of solutes in the intercellular spaces and fence-function to maintain apical and basolateral localization of lipids and membrane proteins in the epithelium. Occludin, claudin family members, and tricellulin, which were identified by Dr. Tsukita's group, are key components for the TJ-functions. Disruption of the TJ-functions is frequently observed in pathological conditions, such as carcinogenesis, inflammation, and infections. In this review on the skin, we introduce the molecular structure of TJ-seals in the skin, and we also overview recent findings on the involvement of TJs in some skin diseases.
