The role of JAM-A in inflammatory bowel disease: Unrevealing the ties that bind

Stefania Vetrano, Silvio Danese

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

Abstract

Tight junctions (TJ) are junctional proteins whose function is to maintain an intact intestinal epithelial barrier and regulate the paracellular movement of water and solutes. Altered TJ structure and epithelial permeability are observed in inflammatory bowel disease and seem to have an important role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) is a protein expressed at tight junctions of epithelial and endothelial cells, as well as on circulating leukocytes. Its function at tight junctions appears to be crucial as an extracellular adhesive molecule in the direct regulation of intestinal barrier function. This review focuses on the role of JAM-A in controlling mucosal homeostasis by regulating the integrity and permeability of epithelial barrier function.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Pages308-313
Number of pages6
Volume1165
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2009

Publication series

NameAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume1165
ISSN (Print)00778923
ISSN (Electronic)17496632

Keywords

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A)
  • Tight junctions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint Dive into the research topics of 'The role of JAM-A in inflammatory bowel disease: Unrevealing the ties that bind'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this