Occludin: structure, function and its role in human diseases

The tight junction(TJ)is the most apical component of the junctional complexes of the adjacent cells in vertebrate. It acts as a multifunctional complex that is involved in regulating numerous and diverse cell functions. A group of integral membrane proteins and an array of plaque proteins have been identified. Occludin was characterized as the first integral membrane protein localized at tight junctions. Disruption of occludin expression, integrity and localization is a vital aspect of a number of diseases. Here, we present a review of the relatively newer understanding of the structure and function of occludin, as well as its role in some diseases.