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Endocytosis of the apical junctional complex: mechanisms and possible roles in regulation of epithelial barriers
Author(s) -
Ivanov Andrei I.,
Nusrat Asma,
Parkos Charles A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
bioessays
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1521-1878
pISSN - 0265-9247
DOI - 10.1002/bies.20203
Subject(s) - adherens junction , internalization , microbiology and biotechnology , endocytosis , endocytic cycle , cadherin , cell junction , intracellular , tight junction , septate junctions , biology , cell adhesion , morphogenesis , cell–cell interaction , apical membrane , epithelium , cell , gap junction , biochemistry , genetics , gene
Tight junctions (TJ) and adherens junctions (AJ) regulate cell–cell adhesion and barrier function of simple polarized epithelia. These junctions are positioned in the apical end of the lateral plasma membrane and form the so‐called apical junctional complex (AJC). Although initially seen as purely structural features, the AJC is now known to play important roles in cell differentiation and proliferation. The AJC is a highly dynamic entity, undergoing rapid remodeling during normal epithelial morphogenesis and under pathologic conditions. There is growing evidence that remodeling of the AJC is mediated by internalization of junctional proteins. This review summarizes what is known about endocytic pathways, intracellular destinations and signaling cascades involved in internalization of AJC proteins. Potential biological roles for AJC endocytosis in maintaining functional apical junctions, reversible opening of epithelial barrier and disruption of intercellular adhesion are also discussed. BioEssays 27:356–365, 2005. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.