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Related Experiment Videos

The terminal web. A reevaluation of its structure and function.

B E Hull, L A Staehelin

    The Journal of Cell Biology
    |April 1, 1979
    PubMed
    Summary

    Investigating the terminal web in intestinal epithelial cells reveals a stratified structure of filaments. This organization provides essential flexibility and stability for proper epithelial function.

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    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Epithelial Biology
    • Cytoskeletal Organization

    Background:

    • The apical cytoplasm of intestinal epithelial cells contains a complex network of filaments known as the terminal web.
    • Understanding the fine structural organization of the terminal web is crucial for comprehending epithelial cell function.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To elucidate the fine structural organization of the terminal web region in epithelial cells of the small and large intestines.
    • To understand the roles of different filament types and their associations within the terminal web.

    Main Methods:

    • Freeze-etch electron microscopy
    • Conventional electron microscopy of sectioned material
    • High voltage electron microscopy of sectioned material

    Main Results:

    • The terminal web exhibits distinct stratification in the small intestine, with filaments associated with tight junctions, adherens junctions, and microfilaments.
    • Actin-like filaments and tonofilaments form interwoven networks in the adherens zone, interacting with junctional components.
    • The basal zone features tonofilament bundles anchoring and interconnecting spot desmosomes, with transmembrane linkers potentially mediating cell-cell mechanical coupling.

    Conclusions:

    • The terminal web's integrated system of filaments and junctions provides the apical cytoplasm with necessary flexibility and stability.
    • This structural organization is vital for the normal functioning of intestinal epithelial cells.
    • Similar basic organization is observed in both small and large intestine epithelial cells, despite differences in stratification.

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