The Basic Requirement of Tight Junction Proteins in Blood-Brain Barrier Function and Their Role in Pathologies
Sophie Dithmer, Ingolf E. Blasig, Paul Fraser, Zhihai Qin, Reiner F. Haseloff
Abstract
This review addresses the role of tight junction proteins at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Their expression is described, and their role in physiological and pathological processes at the BBB is discussed. Based on this, new approaches are depicted for paracellular drug delivery and diagnostics in the treatment of cerebral diseases. Recent data provide convincing evidence that, in addition to its impairment in the course of diseases, the BBB could be involved in the aetiology of CNS disorders. Further progress will be expected based on new insights in tight junction protein structure and in their involvement in signalling pathways.
Topics & Concepts
Tight junctionBlood–brain barrierParacellular transportNeurosciencePathologicalClaudinBrain functionBiologyFunction (biology)MedicineBioinformaticsComputational biologyCentral nervous systemCell biologyPathologyGeneticsPermeability (electromagnetism)MembraneBarrier Structure and Function StudiesConnexins and lens biologyNeurological diseases and metabolism