The Paracellular Channel: Biology, Physiology and Disease serves as the first volume to offer a cohesive and unifying picture of the critical functions of paracellular channels (tight junctions) in different tissues. This new class of ion channel utilizes a completely different mechanism to create ion passage pathways across the cell junction. This volume outlines common principles that govern the organization and regulation of these diverse cellular structures, describes the methodology of study, and highlights the pathophysiologic consequence of abnormal structure and functions of the paracellular channels in human diseases. Coverage includes biochemical, biophysical, structural, physiologic analyses of the paracellular channel, and new technologies for recording and characterization. - Offers integrated coverage of all key aspects of the paracellular channel, an understudied field that may hold key insights into some of the most mysterious aspects of physiology - Targets different levels of expertise, spanning from graduate students, interns and clinical fellows, to seasoned researchers that study functions, regulation and dysfunctions of different tissue barriers - Provides a cohesive and unifying picture that describes the critical functions of paracellular channels (tight junctions) in different tissues