Key Summary of Tight Junction Protein ZO-1 (TJP1):

Molecular Structure:

• 225 kDa phosphoprotein
• Multiple domains including PDZ, SH3, and GUK
• Connects with actin filaments and cell cytoskeleton

Physiological Functions:

• Maintains epithelial and endothelial barriers
• Controls molecule passage between cells
• Protects blood-brain barrier
• Assists in cell polarization and tissue organization

Developmental Roles:

• Critical in embryo development
• Facilitates cell signalling
• Involved in Hippo signalling pathway
• Regulates gene activity

Disease Implications:

• Associated with:
• Cancer progression
• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Neurological conditions
• Diabetes complications

Therapeutic Potential:

• Developing junction-stabilizing compounds
• Creating targeted medications
• Exploring gene editing techniques
• Potential treatment for barrier-related disorders

ZO-1 is a critical protein in maintaining cellular integrity and signalling.