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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...
Studying the Cytoskeleton01:17

Studying the Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...

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Visualization of desmosomes in the electron microscope.

Anthea Scothern1, David Garrod

  • 1Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.

Methods in Cell Biology
|July 12, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Desmosomes, crucial for cell adhesion, are visualized using advanced electron microscopy techniques. This study details methods for transmission electron microscopy and immunogold labeling for ultrastructural analysis.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Microscopy
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Desmosomes are vital intercellular junctions responsible for strong cell-cell adhesion in epithelial tissues.
  • They connect intermediate filament cytoskeletons, influencing cell signaling, tissue development, and repair.
  • Their small size (0.2-0.5 micrometers) necessitates high-resolution imaging techniques like electron microscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe established and novel protocols for visualizing desmosome ultrastructure.
  • To detail methods for conventional transmission electron microscopy and immunogold labeling of cryosections.
  • To present approaches for statistical analysis of immunogold data for molecular mapping.

Main Methods:

  • Conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural details.
  • Immunogold labeling of ultrathin cryosections for molecular localization.
  • Freeze-fracture electron microscopy, electron tomography, and cryo-electron microscopy were also utilized.
  • Statistical analysis of particle distribution for molecular mapping.

Main Results:

  • Detailed protocols for TEM and immunogold labeling of desmosomes are provided.
  • Demonstration of various EM techniques for resolving desmosome ultrastructure.
  • Methodology for quantitative analysis of protein distribution within desmosomes.

Conclusions:

  • Electron microscopy techniques are essential for understanding desmosome ultrastructure and molecular organization.
  • The described protocols enable detailed investigation of desmosome function and dynamics.
  • Immunogold labeling combined with statistical analysis offers a powerful approach for molecular mapping within these junctions.