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Desmosomes: intercellular adhesive junctions specialized for attachment of intermediate filaments

A P Kowalczyk1, E A Bornslaeger, S M Norvell

  • 1Department of Pathology, R.H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.

International Review of Cytology
|September 29, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Desmosomes are crucial for tissue integrity, anchoring intermediate filaments between cells. Impaired desmosome function in diseases compromises tissue health, highlighting their importance in cell adhesion and signaling.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cell-cell adhesion is vital for tissue development, morphogenesis, and regulating cell behavior.
  • Desmosomes are intercellular junctions anchoring intermediate filaments to the plasma membrane, maintaining tissue integrity.
  • Impaired desmosomal molecule function is linked to compromised tissue integrity in various diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structure and function of desmosomal molecules.
  • To understand the molecular interactions within desmosomes.
  • To explore the dual role of desmosomes in cell adhesion and signal transduction.

Main Methods:

  • Structural determination of desmosomal molecules.
  • Analysis of molecular interactions between desmosomal proteins.
  • Investigation of desmosome function in cell adhesion and signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • The structure and function of many desmosomal molecules have been determined.
  • Key molecular interactions between desmosomal proteins have been elucidated.
  • Desmosomal proteins participate in both cell adhesion and intracellular signal transduction.

Conclusions:

  • Desmosomes are essential for maintaining tissue integrity through cell adhesion and intermediate filament anchoring.
  • Understanding desmosome molecular biology is critical for addressing diseases associated with impaired tissue integrity.
  • Desmosomal proteins have a broader role beyond adhesion, influencing intracellular signaling and cell behavior.

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