Abstract: Acute kidney injury (AKI) refers to the rapid decline in renal function by various factors, such as ischemia—reperfusion injury, severe infection, nephrotoxic drugs, and acute ureteral obstruction. Tubular epithelial cells (TEC) are the main cells affected in AKI, with a concentrated distribution of mitochondria, active metabolism, and sensitivity to injury stimuli. Tight junction, a major structure connecting adjacent tubular epithelial cells that prevents free leakage of substances in renal tubules across intercellular space, is critical for the polarity of tubular epithelial cells and the integrity of renal tubular epithelial barrier. In this review, we focused on the research progress on tight junction of renal tubular epithelial in AKI, as well as its potential role as a therapeutic target for AKI.

Key words: acute kidney injury, tubular epithelial cells, tight junction, tight junction proteins