Premium
The expressions of claudin‐1 and E‐cadherin in junctional epithelium
Author(s) -
Fujita T.,
Hayashida K.,
Shiba H.,
Kishimoto A.,
Matsuda S.,
Takeda K.,
Kawaguchi H.,
Kurihara H.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of periodontal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.31
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1600-0765
pISSN - 0022-3484
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2009.01258.x
Subject(s) - claudin , cadherin , junctional epithelium , epithelium , microbiology and biotechnology , tight junction , biology , cell , genetics
Fujita T, Hayashida K, Shiba H, Kishimoto A, Matsuda S, Takeda K, Kawaguchi H, Kurihara H. The expressions of claudin‐1 and E‐cadherin in junctional epithelium. J Periodont Res 2010; 45: 579–582. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective: The epithelium provides an important barrier against microbial invasion. Tight junction structural proteins called claudins are known to contribute to the epithelial cell barrier. Junctional epithelium is located at a strategically important interface between gingival sulcus and is interconnected by desmosomes and gap junctions, but not by tight junctions. Although claudins are tight junction‐associated proteins, they are also expressed in the epithelium despite its lack of tight junctions in invertebrates. Therefore, claudins may play an important role in junctional epithelium without tight junctions. E‐cadherin is a key molecule in the formation of adherence junctions and desmosomes. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the expressions of claudin‐1,claudin‐3, claudin‐7 and E‐cadherin in the junctional epithelium of Fischer 344 rats. Material and Methods: Gingival tissues from Fischer 344 rats were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining for claudin‐1, claudin‐3, claudin‐7, and E‐cadherin. Results: Intense staining for claudin‐1 and E‐cadherin were observed in the junctional epithelium. In contrast to claudin‐1, claudin‐3 was mainly expressed in oral gingival epithelium and claudin‐7 could not be detected on immunohistochemical analysis of the rat gingiva. Conclusion: These data suggest that claudin‐1 and E‐cadherin exist in the junctional epithelium and may play an important role in epithelial barrier function.