Intercellular Junction Final 2.0
Intercellular Junction Final 2.0
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Types of Intercellular Junctions.
1.Tight Junctions
Form a tight seal between cells, preventing the passage of most molecules between
them. They are crucial for maintaining the barrier function of epithelia.
2.Adherens Junctions
Provide strong cell-cell adhesion, anchoring cells together and contributing to the
structural integrity of tissues. They are commonly found in tissues that experience
mechanical stress.
3.Desmosomes
Also known as anchoring junctions, these junctions provide strong adhesion between
cells, helping to withstand mechanical stress. They are found in tissues like skin and
heart muscle.
4.Gap Junctions
Allow direct communication between cells by forming channels for the passage of
ions and small molecules. They are crucial for coordinating the activities of cells in
tissues.
Tight Junctions: The Gatekeepers of
Epithelial Transport.
Structure
Tight junctions are formed by the fusion of the outer layers of the cell
membranes of adjacent cells. They are composed of transmembrane
proteins like occludin, claudins, and junctional adhesion molecules
(JAMs).
Location
Tight junctions are commonly found in the epithelium of the
gastrointestinal tract, nephrons, urinary tract, and choroid plexus.
Function
They act as a selective permeability barrier, regulating the passage of
water-soluble molecules and ions between cells.
Significance
They are crucial for maintaining the barrier function of epithelia,
preventing the leakage of molecules from one compartment to
another.
Tight Junctions and Paracellular
Transport
❖Paracellular Pathway
Tight junctions allow the passage of small molecules and
ions through the space between cells, known as the
paracellular pathway.
❖Selective Permeability
The permeability of tight junctions can vary depending on
the type of epithelium. For example, in the gut, sodium ions
pass fairly freely, while in the urinary bladder, their passage
is restricted.
❖Regulation of Transport
The permeability of tight junctions can be influenced by
factors like osmotic pressure and the presence of specific
regulatory proteins.
Examples of Tight Junctions in Action
❖Gastrointestinal Tract
Tight junctions in the gut epithelium prevent the leakage of
bacteria and toxins from the lumen into the bloodstream.
❖Nephrons
Tight junctions in the renal tubules play a crucial role in
regulating water and solute reabsorption.
❖Blood-Brain Barrier
Tight junctions between endothelial cells of cerebral blood
vessels form the blood-brain barrier, protecting the brain from
harmful substances in the bloodstream.
❖Blood-Aqueous Barrier
Tight junctions in the ciliary body of the eye form the blood-
aqueous barrier, controlling the composition of the aqueous
humor.
Intercellular Junctions: A Symphony of
Cellular Communication.
Intercellular junctions are essential for the proper
functioning of tissues and organs. They provide
structural support, regulate the passage of
molecules, and enable direct communication
between cells. Understanding the diverse roles of
these junctions is crucial for comprehending the
complexity and sophistication of biological
systems.