The Hair Loss Encyclopedia
protein maintaining cell junction integrity in tissues
Occludin is a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of tight junctions, which are structures that seal the spaces between cells in tissues. These tight junctions are essential for controlling the movement of substances between cells, thereby maintaining the barrier function of epithelial and endothelial layers. In simpler terms, occludin helps keep cells tightly connected, ensuring that unwanted substances can't easily pass through the spaces between them.