Cell membrane lipids and associated tight junction proteins

Cell membrane lipids and associated tight junction proteins represent the primary structural and functional components of the biological barriers in epithelial and endothelial tissues (StatPearls, 2023). The lipid bilayer provides a hydrophobic barrier to polar molecules, while tight junctions—comprising proteins such as claudins, occludin, and zonula occludens—regulate the paracellular transport of ions and solutes (NCBI, 2022). These structures are critical for maintaining homeostasis, cell polarity, and protecting internal environments from external pathogens and toxins (PubMed, 2021). In therapeutic contexts, these components are often targeted by permeation enhancers, such as surfactants or zonulin antagonists like larazotide, to facilitate the delivery of drugs across the intestinal mucosa or blood-brain barrier (PubChem, 2024). However, chronic or excessive disruption of these barriers is associated with various pathological conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and increased metastatic potential in cancers (NIH, 2023).

Other names

Epithelial barrierParacellular barrier componentsPlasma membrane lipidsTight junction complexIntercellular junctional complex

Modulation of paracellular permeability through the reorganization of tight junction proteins or the disruption of lipid bilayer fluidity to enhance drug absorption.