Tight Junction in the Intestinal Epithelium: Its Association with Diseases and Regulation by Phytochemicals

Figure 2

Structure of intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ) and TJ-related proteins. (a) Assembly of TJ-related proteins including claudin, occludin, ZO-1 and -2, and F-actin forms a TJ structure, which confers physical barrier function to the small intestine. (b) Upon luminal stimulation, the TJ opens, leading to paracellular transport of extracellular components.