Interclaudine interference

Interclaudin interference (claudin interference) refers to a biochemical phenomenon that occurs in claudin proteins in which one claudin destroys higher-order structures and channels formed by another claudin.

Claudin-4, for example, is a prototypical barrier-forming claudin that reduces paracellular permeability by a previously unknown mechanism. Claudin-4 selectively inhibits flux through cation channels formed by claudins 2 or 15. Claudin-4-induced loss of claudin channel function is associated with reduced anchoring and subsequent endocytosis of pore-forming claudins. Analyses in non-epithelial cells show that although claudin-4 is not capable of independent polymerization, it destroys polymer strands and higher-order networks formed by claudins 2, 7, 15 and 19. This process of interclaudin interference, in which one claudin destroys higher-order structures and channels formed by another claudin, represents a previously unknown mechanism of barrier regulation (Shashikanth N et al. 2022).

1. Shashikanth N et al. (2022) Tight junction channel regulation by interclaudin interference. Nat Commun13:3780.