Abstract

A REVIEW ON CLAUDIN MODULATORS

Shihana S.* and Divya Santhosh

Abstract

Claudins are tetra-span integral membrane proteins found in tight junctions. They are expressed in epithelia and endothelia and form paracellular barriers and pores that determine tight junction permeability. The name “Claudin” derived from the Latin word “Claudere”, which means “to close”. While tight junctions require the coordinated activity of such proteins the specificity of tight junction permeability is regulated by claudins. Claudin-modulators are promising molecules for drug delivery system. They are able to modulate the tight junctions. This review summarizes different types of claudin gene family and discusses the recent advances in their structure, interactions, regulation and physiological functions.

Keywords: Claudins; paracellular barriers; tight junction; Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin; claudin modulators.