Tyndallins

Tyndallins are a class of proteins that play a crucial role in cell adhesion, particularly in epithelial tissues. They are a type of cadherin, a superfamily of transmembrane proteins that mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. Tyndallins are specifically characterized by their unique structural features and their involvement in maintaining the integrity of the apical junctional complex, which includes tight junctions and adherens junctions. These junctions are essential for forming a barrier that prevents the free passage of molecules between cells and for organizing the apical surface of polarized cells.

The function of tyndallins is tightly regulated by calcium ions, which are required for their proper folding and interaction with other adhesion molecules. Disruptions in tyndallin function have been implicated in various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and certain types of cancer, where compromised cell adhesion can lead to increased permeability and uncontrolled cell proliferation. Research into tyndallins continues to explore their precise molecular mechanisms and their potential as therapeutic targets for conditions involving aberrant cell adhesion.