Molecular organization, regulation and function of tricellular junctions

Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr. 2020 Feb 1;1862(2):183143. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.183143. Epub 2019 Dec 6.

Abstract

Tricellular junctions are specialized cell-cell junctions formed at sites where three epithelial or endothelial cells make contact at their apical side. By holding three cells together, tricellular junctions contribute to the maintenance of epithelial barrier function and mechanical integrity. In addition, recent studies have uncovered new functions of tricellular junctions at both cellular and physiological levels. In this review, we describe the architecture and molecular components of tricellular junctions and discuss how tricellular junctions participate in various biological processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adherens Junctions / chemistry
  • Adherens Junctions / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Desmosomes / chemistry
  • Desmosomes / metabolism*
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology
  • Humans
  • Tight Junction Proteins / metabolism
  • Tight Junctions / chemistry
  • Tight Junctions / metabolism*

Substances

  • Tight Junction Proteins