Regulation of expression and trafficking of junction proteins

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Vital organs are lined by a specialized layer made up by epithelial cells. These create a protective barrier and regulate transport of substances through the layer, vital for healthy organ functions. A key structural component of epithelial layers are the cell-cell contacts, which consist of a large number of proteins. Among the many proteins residing at the contact sites are the claudins, a family of small proteins, that are responsible for regulating selective transport across the layer. Research in the past years also pointed out that the function of claudins is more widespread as they can affect cell growth and cell movement. Interestingly, many conditions, e.g. inflammation can alter the amount of claudin proteins in the cells, which has huge functional consequences. Thus, it is very important to understand how the cells control amounts of their claudins.