Award Details:
Award Type: Catalyst
Award #: C-106
Proposal Title: Determination of Tight Junction Structural Organization by Cryo-Electron Microscopy
PI(s): Christopher Weber (UChicago) and Fatemeh Khalili-Araghi (UIC)
Award Amount: $$250,000
Application Cycle: Round 31 (Fall 2021)
Award Start Date: June 1, 2022
Award End Date: May 31, 2024
Abstract:
Tight junctions seal the space between cells that line body cavities. Mutation and dysregulated expression of tight junction associated proteins contribute to a variety of congenital and acquired diseases in many organ systems. At present, we are unable to modify tight junction structure and function to benefit human health. This is mostly due to a limited understanding of how proteins in the claudin family of tight junction proteins are organized, creating a barrier. We have established a new
collaborative effort to determine tight junction protein organization, and in particular the claudin component of the tight junction, by using the state-of-art cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Although high risk, this study will provide previously unobtainable information regarding tight junction structure. The new data eventually will allow us to target altered tight junction permeability in patients with diseases in epithelial organs.