Tight junction protein (general family) (null)

Intestinal barrier function proteins, predominantly tight junction proteins such as occludin, claudins, zonula occludens (ZO-1, ZO-2), tricellulin, and junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs), are multiprotein complexes located at the apical aspect of the lateral membrane of intestinal epithelial cells[1][3][5][7]. These proteins seal the paracellular space, regulating the passage of ions, nutrients, water, and blocking the entry of pathogens and toxins[1][5]. Modulation of their expression or structure—by cytokines, metabolic signals, microbiota, and nutrients—can increase or decrease intestinal permeability, and impaired barrier function is implicated in numerous diseases, especially chronic inflammation and metabolic syndromes[2][3][4][5][6][7]. While individual protein family members may be therapeutic targets or biomarkers, "intestinal barrier function proteins" as a group is too broad and not considered a single canonical drug target.

Other names

Intestinal tight junction proteinsTJ proteinsintestinal epithelial barrier proteins

Drugs or compounds may: - Enhance barrier integrity by upregulating expression or function of TJ proteins (e.g., some polyphenols) - Disrupt barrier by increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), leading to disassembly or altered phosphorylation of TJ proteins