Claudin family, Occludin, Junctional adhesion molecule-A, Zonula occludens-1 (CLDN (for Claudins), OCLN (for Occludin), JAM-A, ZO-1)

Colonic tight junction proteins are a functional group of transmembrane and cytoplasmic proteins that form tight junctions between epithelial cells lining the colon. Key protein members include the claudin family (at least 27 isoforms), occludin, junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs), and scaffolding proteins such as the zonula occludens (ZO-1, ZO-2, ZO-3). Together, they regulate the paracellular pathway for ions, solutes, and water, maintain epithelial barrier integrity, and participate in cell signaling. Disruption or dysregulation of these proteins is associated with increased permeability ("leaky gut") and a range of pathologies, including inflammation, infection, and cancer development[1][3][4][5][6]. Their complex regulation involves post-translational phosphorylation, protein-protein interactions, cytoskeletal dynamics, and signaling from the gut microbiome and dietary factors[1][4][5].

Other names

Tight junction proteinsTJ proteinsClaudinsOccludinJAMsZO proteins

Modulation of tight junction assembly/disassembly; Phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of tight junction components (e.g., CK2 inhibitors affect occludin and claudin-2 interaction); Disruption of protein-protein interactions (e.g., certain bacterial toxins such as CPE disrupt claudins)