Structural and functional diversity of desmosomes.
Robert M Harmon1, Kathleen J Green
1Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg, School of Medicine , Chicago, IL , USA.
Cell Communication & Adhesion
|November 12, 2013
Summary
Desmosomes link intermediate filaments between cells, providing tissue structural integrity. These cell adhesion structures are crucial in human diseases and development.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Desmosomes are cell adhesion structures that anchor intermediate filaments.
- They share similarities with adherens junctions but differ in intermediate filament recruitment.
- Their role in tissue integrity and human disease is well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the unique function of desmosomes in conferring structural integrity.
- To discuss the historical and emerging roles of desmosomes in biology and medicine.
- To underscore the significance of desmosomes in cell-cell adhesion and tissue mechanics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and recent publications on desmosomes.
- Analysis of desmosome structure and function in relation to intermediate filaments.
- Examination of desmosome involvement in signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Desmosomes link intermediate filaments of neighboring cells, creating mechanically contiguous cell sheets.
- This linkage confers essential structural integrity to tissues.
- Desmosomes play roles in organismal development, carcinogenesis, and genetic disorders.
Conclusions:
- Desmosomes are critical for maintaining tissue structural integrity through intermediate filament linkage.
- Emerging research highlights their involvement in signaling pathways relevant to development and disease.
- Desmosomes will remain a key focus in future biological and biomedical research.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:05Desmosomes
7.5K
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...
7.5K
00:59Mechanisms of Membrane Domain Formation
3.2K
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...
Another mechanism for membrane domain formation involves membrane proteins interacting with...
3.2K
01:03Anchoring Junctions
4.3K
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:...
4.3K
01:25Structure of Cadherins
4.0K
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...
4.0K
01:18Membrane Domains
6.2K
The membrane domains concentrate specific lipids and proteins at one place within the membrane, which helps in cell signaling, adhesion, and other critical cellular processes. These domains can differ in size, composition, function, and lifespan.
Protein Domains
The membrane comprises a group of distinct proteins responsible for carrying out a cell's specific function. For example, the plasma membrane of the human sperm, or a single germ cell, contains a unique set of proteins in the...
Protein Domains
The membrane comprises a group of distinct proteins responsible for carrying out a cell's specific function. For example, the plasma membrane of the human sperm, or a single germ cell, contains a unique set of proteins in the...
6.2K
02:32Plasmodesmata
30.0K
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.
30.0K