Claudins as diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets—Glimpse of the horizon

Abstract

Claudins (CLDNs) play a crucial and indispensable role as fundamental components within the structure of tight junctions. Due to the distinct and unique distribution pattern exhibited by CLDNs in both normal and malignant tissues, these proteins have garnered significant attention as pivotal targets for systemic anti-cancer therapy and as noteworthy diagnostic markers. This review provides a comprehensive and detailed elucidation of the fundamental understanding surrounding CLDNs, their intricate expression patterns, the potential role they play in cancer diagnosis and therapeutic potentials; all encapsulated within a succinct summary of the cutting-edge advancements and the information derived from various clinical trials.