Pathobiology of the tight junction : from cell biology of paracellular pathway to bed-side

紧密连接是细胞间连接，在侧细胞膜的顶端密封细胞间隙。紧密连接调节各种物质的通过，也维持细胞极性。在这项研究中，我们研究了维生素D的调节，以及各种细胞因子在肝细胞和人鼻上皮细胞中的紧密连接的屏障功能的病理生理变化，以及在糖尿病条件下形成血视网膜屏障的内皮细胞。

Tight junctions are intercellular junctions sealing intercellular spaces at the apical end of the lateral cell membranes. Tight junctions regulate the passage of various substances, and also maintain the cell polarity. In this study, we examined regulation of tight junctions by vitamin D, and patho-physiological changes of a barrier function of tight junctions in hepatic cells and human nasal epithelial cells by various cytokines, and in endothelial cells forming blood retinal barrier under a diabetic condition.