Epithelial adhesive junctions

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Christopher Todd Capaldo, Emory University; Attila E. Farkas, Emory University; Asma Nusrat, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2014
• Publisher: Faculty of 1000 Ltd
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2014 Faculty of 1000 Ltd
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://f1000.com/prime/reports/b/6/1
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: F1000prime reports
• ISSN: 2051-7599
• Volume: 6
• Issue: 1
• Research Categories: Biology, Cell; Health Sciences, Pathology

Abstract

Epithelial adhesive cell-to-cell contacts contain large, plasma membrane-spanning multiprotein aggregates that perform vital structural and signaling functions. Three prominent adhesive contacts are the tight junction, adherens junction, and the desmosome. Each junction type has unique cellular functions and a complex molecular composition. In this review, we comment on recent and exciting advances in our understanding of junction composition and function.