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Desmosomes

Desmosomes

The term desmosome derives from the Greek words "desmo" and "soma" meaning "adhesion bodies." This structure was first observed during the late 1800s and described as small, dense nodules in the epidermis. Desmosomes are button-like structures that help form an interlinked network of intermediate filaments across the cells. These junctions are essential to hold cells together under mechanical stress and to maintain tissue integrity. Desmosomes are multi-protein complexes comprising desmosomal...

Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia

Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia

Invadosome is a broad category of cell surface structures with proteolytic activity that degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM). Invadosomes are present in normal cell types, including macrophages, endothelial cells, and neurons, as well as tumor cells. Although the macrophage podosomes and tumor cell invadopodia are classified as invadosomes, they have different structures, molecular pathways, and functions. Podosomes are short structures that last for a few minutes. However, invadopodia can...

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...

Anchoring Junctions

Anchoring Junctions

Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics

Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics

Published on: March 26, 2018

Desmosomes: a role in cancer?

M Chidgey¹, C Dawson

¹Division of Medical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Clinical Research Block, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK. M.A.Chidgey@bham.ac.uk

British Journal of Cancer

|May 24, 2007

Summary

Desmosomes are crucial in cancer. Their altered components impact cell signaling and adhesion, potentially driving tumor progression and metastasis via pathways like Wnt/beta-catenin.

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Cancer Research
Molecular Oncology

Background:

Desmosomes, critical for cell adhesion, are increasingly recognized for their role in cancer.
Dysregulation of desmosomal components can influence intracellular signaling and cell-cell adhesion.
Plakoglobin, a cytoplasmic desmosomal protein, links desmosomes to signaling pathways like Wnt/beta-catenin.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the significance of desmosomes and their components in cancer progression.
To investigate the link between desmosomal alterations, signal transduction, and cell adhesion in tumorigenesis.
To highlight the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway as a potential target due to plakoglobin's involvement.

Main Methods:

Review of existing evidence on desmosome function in cancer.

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Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics

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A Real-time Electrical Impedance Based Technique to Measure Invasion of Endothelial Cell Monolayer by Cancer Cells

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Analysis of molecular mechanisms linking desmosomal components to signaling pathways.

Examination of the role of desmosomal adhesion loss in epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Main Results:

Evidence supports the critical role of desmosomes in cancer.
Altered desmosomal component expression can modulate signaling pathways and reduce cell adhesion.
Loss of desmosomal adhesion is a key event preceding epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Conclusions:

Desmosomal alterations are implicated in cancer progression and metastasis.
Targeting the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, involving plakoglobin, may offer therapeutic strategies.
Understanding desmosome function is vital for developing novel cancer treatments.