Tight junction protein ZO-3 (TJP3)

Tight junction protein ZO-3 (TJP3) is a scaffolding protein and member of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase-like (MAGUK) family that localizes to tight junctions in epithelial and endothelial cells, where it connects transmembrane tight junction proteins such as claudins, junctional adhesion molecules, and occludin to the actin cytoskeleton[1][4][6]. TJP3 supports the integrity and stability of tight junctions, thereby enabling the formation of selective barriers between cells and the regulation of paracellular permeability[2]. It acts as a scaffold for other proteins, participates in cell-cycle regulation by sequestering cyclin D1, and is involved in tissue homeostasis, but is considered dispensable for embryonic development and epithelial differentiation under standard laboratory conditions[1]. Defects or altered function of TJP3 have been associated with diseases involving epithelial barrier dysfunction, including inflammatory bowel disease and epilepsy[1]. Note: TJP3 is not a classical therapeutic target (such as a receptor or enzyme) but is a scaffolding/adaptor protein critical for tight junction organization and function; as such, there are currently no drugs directly targeting TJP3, nor are there known TJP3-based biomarkers or major specific safety concerns described in the literature[1][4][6].

Other names

Tight junction protein 3TJP3ZO-3ZO3Tight junction protein ZO-3Zona occludens protein 3Zonula occludens protein 3zona occludens 3tight junction protein ZO-3tight junction protein 3 (zona occludens 3)zona occludens protein 3zonula occludens protein 3