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Related Concept Videos

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:...
Adherens Junctions01:24

Adherens Junctions

Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types –  adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as  epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as  heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
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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...
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...
Reticular Dermis01:15

Reticular Dermis

The papillary and reticular dermis are the two layers of the dermis. They are made of connective tissue with fibers of collagen extending from one to the other, making the border between the two somewhat indistinct. The dermal papillae extending into the epidermis belong to the papillary layer, whereas the dense collagen fiber bundles below belong to the reticular layer.
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...
Acne Infection01:27

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...

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Imaging CD4 T Cell Interstitial Migration in the Inflamed Dermis
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[Structure of the dermo-epidemic junction].

L Squiquera1, M A Robledo, C R Martins

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.

Medicina Cutanea Ibero-Latino-Americana
|January 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

The dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) is a critical structure that connects the epidermis to the dermis. It includes the dermal pole of the basal cell layer, intercellular spaces, lamina densa, and fibrous components of the papillary dermis. The junction's primary functions are to bind epithelia to connective tissue and to maintain the viability of the epidermis by connecting it to the dermis. Recent studies have focused on the junction's ultrastructure and its antigenic components. These components are important for tissue adhesion and signaling, contributing to the junction's functional integrity. The study concludes that the DEJ's structure and antigenic profile are essential for tissue function and viability.

Keywords:
Dermo-epidermal junctionBasement membraneTissue adhesionEpithelial-connective tissue interface

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatological anatomy
  • Extracellular matrix biology
  • Epithelial-connective tissue interactions

Background:

The basement membranes serve as extracellular protein matrices central to cell-substrate interactions. These structures are well understood in their role of anchoring epithelial layers to underlying connective tissue. Prior research has established that the dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) comprises the dermal pole of the basal cell layer, intercellular spaces, lamina densa, and fibrous components of the papillary dermis. It is known that the DEJ functions to bind epithelia to connective tissue and to maintain the viability of the epidermis. Nutrient supply from the dermis to the epidermis is a well-documented role of the junction. However, recent studies have focused on the ultrastructural details of the DEJ. This paper aims to clarify the current understanding of these structural features. The authors emphasize the need to explore antigenic components within the junction. No prior work has fully resolved the antigenic composition of the DEJ.

Purpose Of The Study:

This study aims to summarize recent findings regarding the ultrastructure of the dermo-epidermal junction. The focus is on the antigenic components of the junction and their structural organization. The authors seek to clarify the current state of knowledge about the junction's composition and its functional implications. By reviewing recent literature, the study highlights the role of antigenic markers in the DEJ. The goal is to provide a concise overview of the junction's structure and its relevance to tissue function. The authors aim to address gaps in the understanding of the DEJ's antigenic profile. Their work is intended to guide future investigations into the junction's structural and functional characteristics. This review is designed to inform both clinical and research applications in dermatology.

Main Methods:

The authors conducted a literature review focusing on recent studies of the dermo-epidermal junction's ultrastructure. They analyzed published findings on the junction's composition and antigenic components. The review included studies using electron microscopy and immunohistochemical techniques. The authors synthesized data on the junction's structural layers and their interactions. They examined the role of the lamina densa and fibrous components in the junction's stability. The review also considered the functional implications of the junction's antigenic profile. The authors evaluated how these structural elements contribute to tissue viability and function. Their approach was to consolidate recent knowledge into a coherent summary of the junction's ultrastructure.

Main Results:

The dermo-epidermal junction is composed of the dermal pole of the basal cell layer, intercellular spaces, lamina densa, and fibrous components of the papillary dermis. The junction functions to bind epithelia to connective tissue and to maintain the viability of the epidermis. The lamina densa is a key structural component of the junction, providing mechanical stability. Antigenic components within the junction include proteins that are critical for tissue adhesion and signaling. These components are distributed across the junction's layers and contribute to its functional integrity. The junction's antigenic profile is associated with its role in nutrient transport and tissue maintenance. Recent studies have identified specific proteins involved in the junction's antigenic composition. These findings suggest a complex interplay between structural and antigenic elements in the junction.

Conclusions:

The dermo-epidermal junction serves as a critical interface between epithelial and connective tissues. The junction's structure includes the dermal pole of the basal cell layer, intercellular spaces, lamina densa, and fibrous components. Antigenic components are integral to the junction's function and stability. The authors suggest that these components play a role in tissue adhesion and signaling. The junction's antigenic profile is associated with its ability to maintain tissue viability. The authors propose that the junction's structure supports nutrient transport and tissue function. Their findings highlight the importance of the junction's ultrastructure in dermatological research. The study concludes that further investigation into the junction's antigenic components is warranted.

The junction binds epithelia to connective tissue and maintains the viability of the epidermis by connecting it to the dermis.

The junction includes the dermal pole of the basal cell layer, intercellular spaces, lamina densa, and fibrous components of the papillary dermis.

The lamina densa provides mechanical stability and is a key structural component of the junction.

Antigenic components are involved in tissue adhesion and signaling, contributing to the junction's functional integrity.

The junction connects the epidermis to the dermis, allowing for nutrient transport and tissue function.

The antigenic profile is associated with the junction's role in maintaining tissue viability and function.