Proteomic and bioinformatic analysis of epithelial tight junction reveals an unexpected cluster of synaptic molecules.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Zonula occludens, also known as the tight junction, is a specialized cell-cell interaction characterized by membrane "kisses" between epithelial cells. A cytoplasmic plaque of approximately 100 nm corresponding to a meshwork of densely packed proteins underlies the tight junction membrane domain. Due to its enormous size and difficulties in obtaining a biochemically pure fraction, the molecular composition of the tight junction remains largely unknown.

Results

A novel biochemical purification protocol has been developed to isolate tight junction protein complexes from cultured human epithelial cells. After identification of proteins by mass spectroscopy and fingerprint analysis, candidate proteins are scored and assessed individually. A simple algorithm has been d

SUBMITTER: Tang VW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1712231 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature