Intestinal tight junction

The intestinal tight junction is a multiprotein complex located at the apical region of the lateral membranes of intestinal epithelial cells, forming a selectively permeable seal that regulates paracellular transport of ions, solutes, and water[1][2][6]. It is primarily composed of transmembrane proteins such as claudins, occludin, junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs), and tricellulin, which interact with cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins (like zonula occludens, or ZO proteins) that anchor the structure to the actin cytoskeleton[2][6][7][9]. These junctions are critical for maintaining the intestinal barrier, cell polarity, and controlling the passage of nutrients while blocking pathogens and toxins[1][5]. Alteration or dysfunction of intestinal tight junctions is implicated in a range of diseases, particularly gastrointestinal and systemic inflammatory disorders[1][3].

Other names

Tight junctionZonula occludensOccluding junction

Restoration or modulation of junction integrity (therapeutic strategy under investigation, generally via regulatory signaling pathways or dietary factors)[3][5]