Claudin-17 (CLDN17)

Claudin-17 (CLDN17) is a tetraspan integral membrane protein belonging to the claudin family that forms part of tight junctions between epithelial or endothelial cells[1][3][6]. It acts as a channel-forming protein that is highly anion-selective, facilitating paracellular transport of chloride, hydrogencarbonate, and certain small organic anions, with predominant high expression in the kidney proximal tubule[3][4][6]. CLDN17 plays a critical role in establishing and regulating the paracellular barrier between cells, thus maintaining tissue-specific permeability and cell polarity[1][6][7]. Genetic studies suggest its locus is linked to diseases that involve disrupted barrier integrity, and its expression is modulated in response to tissue injury and in various pathological contexts, especially in the kidney and potentially in some tumors[1][3][4][5]. There are, as of 2024, no approved drugs directly targeting CLDN17, nor is it a recognized therapeutic target, although its importance in barrier function points to potential disease relevance if dysregulated.

Other names

Claudin 17CLDN17UNQ758/PRO1489MGC126552MGC126554human CLDN17 gene for claudin-17