Q16625

Occludin also known as OCLN is an integral membrane protein that plays a crucial role in forming and maintaining tight junctions in epithelial and endothelial cells, which are essential for regulating paracellular permeability and maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity. Occludin features a tetraspan structure with two extracellular loops that facilitate interactions with other tight junction proteins, contributing to the overall architecture and function of the tight junction complex. Post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, are vital for Occludin localization and functional regulation. Phosphorylation of Occludin can influence tight junction formation, impacting cellular permeability to large molecules.