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Related Concept Videos

Desmosomes01:05

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...
Anchoring Junctions01:03

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:...
Papillary Dermis01:11

Papillary Dermis

Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Mechanisms of Membrane Domain Formation00:59

Mechanisms of Membrane Domain Formation

Different physical properties of lipids and proteins allow them to localize and form distinct islands or domains in the membrane. Some membrane domains are formed due to protein-protein interactions, whereas others are formed due to the presence of specific lipids such as sphingolipids and sterols—for example, large proteins, such as bacteriorhodopsin, aggregate and create distinct domains.
Another mechanism for membrane domain formation involves membrane proteins interacting with cytoskeletal...
Plasmodesmata02:32

Plasmodesmata

The organs in a multicellular organism’s body are made up of tissues formed by cells. To work together cohesively, cells must communicate. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact with other cells. The points of contact that connect adjacent cells are called intercellular junctions.Intercellular junctions are a feature of fungal, plant, and animal cells alike. However, different types of junctions are found in different kinds of cells. Intercellular junctions found in animal...
Plasmodesmata01:20

Plasmodesmata

In a multicellular organism, cells must communicate to work together in a coordinated manner. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact with other cells. The points of contact that connect adjacent cells are called intercellular junctions.
Intercellular junctions are a feature of fungal, plant, and animal cells. However, different types of junctions are found in different kinds of cells. Intercellular junctions found in animal cells include tight junctions, gap junctions, and...

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A Dsg3-specific pemphigus autoantibody induces formation of immature desmosomes associated with impaired adhesion.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
12:23

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering

Published on: October 12, 2012

The desmosome and pemphigus.

Jens Waschke1

  • 1Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstr. 6, 97070, Würzburg, Germany. jens.waschke@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de

Histochemistry and Cell Biology
|April 4, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Desmosomes are crucial for tissue strength, providing mechanical adhesion through cadherin interactions. Dysfunctional desmosomes lead to diseases like pemphigus, highlighting the need for further research into their complex structure and regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Dermatology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Desmosomes are intercellular adhering junctions essential for mechanical strength in tissues like epithelia and myocardium.
  • They mediate adhesion via calcium-dependent cadherin interactions, linking to the intermediate filament cytoskeleton through adaptor proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the molecular composition, regulation, and signaling roles of desmosomes.
  • To understand the pathogenesis of desmosome-associated diseases, including pemphigus.
  • To identify therapeutic targets for blistering skin diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on desmosome structure, function, and associated diseases.
  • Analysis of molecular components, including cadherins and adaptor proteins.

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Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
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Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid

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Measuring Interactions of Globular and Filamentous Proteins by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) and Microscale Thermophoresis (MST)
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Measuring Interactions of Globular and Filamentous Proteins by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) and Microscale Thermophoresis (MST)

Published on: November 2, 2018

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Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
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Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering

Published on: October 12, 2012

Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
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Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid

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Measuring Interactions of Globular and Filamentous Proteins by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) and Microscale Thermophoresis (MST)
10:28

Measuring Interactions of Globular and Filamentous Proteins by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) and Microscale Thermophoresis (MST)

Published on: November 2, 2018

  • Investigation of signaling pathways influencing desmosome dynamics.

    • Main Results:

    • Desmosomes are dynamic structures regulated by signaling pathways.
    • Desmosomal components participate in outside-in signaling.
    • Disturbances in desmosomal adhesion cause diseases such as pemphigus, genetic defects, and those induced by toxins.

    Conclusions:

    • Desmosomes are critical for tissue integrity and are implicated in various pathologies.
    • Further research into desmosome molecular composition and regulation is essential for developing targeted therapies for skin diseases like pemphigus.