Topic: claudins

Claudins are cell adhesion molecules that form a crucial component of the epithelial cells and Blood-brain barrier in vertebrates, and are structurally conserved across phyla. In their canonical role, claudins form the integral components of tight junctions where they function to regulate barrier properties. However, their interaction with other non-tight junction proteins, such as actin cytoskeleton, EpCAM suggests the possibility of non-canonical roles for claudins. Recently claudins have also been discovered in glia and neurons. Further studies have indicated a link between the loss of clau