Claudin-7 (CLDN7)

Claudin-7 is an integral membrane protein and member of the claudin family that constitutes critical components of epithelial tight junctions. It has essential roles in regulating paracellular permeability, maintaining cell polarity, and supporting epithelial cell integrity. Claudin-7 also participates in the modulation of signaling pathways (such as Wnt/β-catenin), influences stem cell function in the intestinal crypts, and is involved in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Differential expression of claudin-7 is linked to cancer progression, invasion, EMT, and altered therapeutic resistance. Loss or dysfunction of claudin-7 leads to significant epithelial barrier defects and is associated with inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. No drugs are currently approved for direct targeting of claudin-7, but its expression has diagnostic, prognostic, and perhaps future therapeutic value

Other names

CLD7Claudin 7CLDN-7

Not established for direct therapeutic targeting. However, indirect mechanisms may involve modulation of tight junction integrity or alteration of associated signaling pathways (such as Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt)