The skin acts as the interface between the organism and the outside tvironment, functioning as a physical and selective barrier against chemical d biological invasion (outside-to-inside), as well as retaining body solutes id maintaining thermoregulation (inside-to-outside). This complex role is thieved through an epidermal differentiation program that gives rise to a htly regulated and selective epidermal permeability barrier (EPB). ysfunction of this barrier during development, or at any time during the espan, leads to death under severe circumstances or to a propensity for tronic skin conditions or diseases. In spite of its important role, the molecular mechanisms behind the formation and function of the БРВ are still poorly understood. The recent discovery of the Claudin (Cldn) family of tight junction (TJ) proteins and their structural–functional characterization has uncovered their essential role in the ЕРВ and other tissue–organ barriers in the body. This chapter summarizes our emerging understanding of Cldns and their role in TJs and in the ЕРВ in normal development and certain skin diseases.
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