CLDN2
Description
The CLDN2 (claudin 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome X.
Claudin-2 is a protein in humans encoded by the CLDN2 gene, belonging to the claudin family. These proteins are expressed in organ-specific ways and regulate the physiological properties of tight junctions. Claudin-2 is found in cation-leaky epithelia like the kidney's proximal tubule. Mice lacking claudin-2 exhibit reduced sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule, indicating its role in paracellular transport. Similar observations have been made in cultured cells, where claudin-2 overexpression increases permeability to small cations. Furthermore, claudin-2 forms paracellular channels for water.
Claudin-2 is essential for the tight junction's function in sealing intercellular spaces. It achieves this through a calcium-independent cell-adhesion mechanism, contributing to the formation of a tight barrier between cells.
CLDN2 is also known as OAZON, claudin-2.
