Visualisation of Multiple Tight Junctional Complexes in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

Citation:
Buckley AG, Looi K, Iosifidis T, Ling K-M, Sutanto EN, Martinovich KM,  Kicic-Starcevich E, Garratt LW, Shaw NC, Lannigan FJ, Larcombe AN, Zosky G, Knight DA, Rigby P, Kicic A, Stick SM.Visualisation of Multiple Tight Junctional Complexes in Human Airway Epithelial Cells. Biological Procedures Online. 2018;20(1):3.

Keywords: 
Tight junctions, Confocal microscopy, Fixation, Airway epithelial cells, Air liquid interface

Abstract: 
Apically located tight junctions in airway epithelium perform a fundamental role in controlling macromolecule migration through paracellular spaces. Alterations in their expression may lead to disruptions in barrier integrity, which subsequently facilitates entry of potential bacterial and other pathogens into the host. Furthermore, there is emerging evidence that the barrier integrity of the airway in certain airway inflammatory diseases may be altered. However, there is little consensus on the way this is assessed and measured and the type of cells used to achieve this.