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Tracing the Evolutionary Origin of Desmosomes.
Kathleen J Green1, Quinn Roth-Carter1, Carien M Niessen2
1Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|May 20, 2020
Summary
Cadherin cell-cell junctions evolved anciently. In vertebrates, desmosomes anchor intermediate filaments, creating robust tissues that resist environmental stress.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cadherin-based cell-cell junctions are crucial for metazoan development and tissue organization.
- Adherens junctions link actin cytoskeleton to plasma membrane via catenins in invertebrates.
- Vertebrates evolved desmosomes, a distinct junction type, for enhanced tissue barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of desmosomal components.
- To understand how desmosomes anchor intermediate filaments.
- To explore the role of desmosomes in tissue resilience against environmental stress.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of cadherin-based junction components across species.
- Review of molecular mechanisms underlying desmosome assembly and function.
- Integration of evolutionary and functional data on desmosome-intermediate filament interactions.
Main Results:
- Desmosomes utilize desmogleins and desmocollins to link intermediate filaments (IFs) to the plasma membrane.
- Desmosomal components include plakoglobin and plakophilins, relatives of adherens junction proteins.
- The desmosome-IF linking complex involves interactions with the plakin family.
- Evolution of desmosomes enabled the development of robust tissues in vertebrates.
Conclusions:
- Desmosomes represent a significant evolutionary innovation in vertebrate tissue architecture.
- The ability of desmosomes to anchor IFs confers enhanced mechanical strength and stress resistance.
- Understanding desmosome evolution provides insights into tissue development and adaptation.
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