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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...

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:...

Mechanisms of Membrane Domain Formation

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.
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Structure of Cadherins

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The cadherins were one of the first cell adhesion molecules discovered; the term “cadherins” is based on their calcium-dependent adhering properties. The first cadherins discovered on the epithelial, neuronal, and placental cells were named E-cadherin, P-cadherin, and N-cadherin, respectively. These classical cadherins share sequence and structural similarities. Other cadherins, including those involved in cell signaling, are grouped into non-classical cadherins. This diversity of cadherins...

What are Membranes?

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

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

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

Published on: November 2, 2018

The molecular composition and function of desmosomes.

L M Godsel¹, S Getsios, A C Huen

¹Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Medical School, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology

|May 11, 2010

Summary

Desmosomes are crucial cell junctions that link intermediate filaments to strengthen tissues. Emerging research suggests desmosome proteins may have functions beyond structural support.

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Cultivating a Three-dimensional Reconstructed Human Epidermis at a Large Scale

Cultivating a Three-dimensional Reconstructed Human Epidermis at a Large Scale

Published on: May 28, 2021

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

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

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

Published on: November 2, 2018

Cultivating a Three-dimensional Reconstructed Human Epidermis at a Large Scale

Cultivating a Three-dimensional Reconstructed Human Epidermis at a Large Scale

Published on: May 28, 2021

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Tissue Engineering

Background:

Desmosomes are key intercellular junctions in mechanically stressed tissues like the heart and epidermis.
They connect intermediate filaments (IF) to desmosomal cadherins, unlike adherens junctions linking actin to classical cadherins.
Desmosomes integrate the IF cytoskeleton, crucial for tissue mechanical integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an updated overview of desmosome composition, function, and regulation.
To explore recent findings on the non-structural roles of desmosome proteins.
To highlight the significance of desmosomes in tissue homeostasis and disease.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent research on desmosome biology.
Analysis of data from disease and animal models targeting desmosomal components.
Examination of studies on desmosome protein downregulation in cancer and wound healing.

Main Results:

Desmosomes form a supracellular network by tethering IF to the plasma membrane, enhancing tissue mechanical integrity.
IF attachment strengthens desmosomal adhesion, indicating a collaborative structural role.
Dysfunction in desmosomal components is linked to developmental issues, tissue integrity loss, and diseases like cancer metastasis and impaired wound healing.

Conclusions:

Desmosomes are vital for maintaining tissue mechanical integrity and homeostasis.
Recent evidence suggests desmosome proteins possess multifaceted roles extending beyond structural support.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex functions of desmosomes in health and disease.