Desmosomes: Difference between revisions
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Desmosome junctions are a type of anchoring junction. Anchoring junctions are cell-cell junctions where there is a central role played by transmembrane adhesion proteins that span the membrane. One end of the protein links to the cytoskeleton inside the cell whereas the other end links to other structures outside the cell. There are two types of anchoring junctions: adherens junction and desmosome junctions.[1]
In desomsome junctions a bundle of intermediate filaments is attached to a plaque of anchor proteins. Also attached to the plaque are transmembrane adhesion proteins of the cadherin family which hold the adjacent membranes together. These proteins are desmoglein and desmocollin.[2]
The main function of desmosome junctions is to provide mechanical strength to the cell. If the desmosome junction is disrupted, for example by antibodies which cause defective adhesion, severe blistering of the skin can occur.[3] They link the intermediate filaments between cells, creating a network throughout the tissue.[4]
- ↑ Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., Walter, P. (2007). Molecular Biology of the cell (Fifth ed.). Garland Science.
- ↑ Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., Walter, P. (2007). Molecular Biology of the cell (Fifth ed.). Garland Science.
- ↑ Garrod, D., Chidgey , M. (2007). Desmosome structure, composition and function. Science Direct .
- ↑ Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., Walter, P. (2007). Molecular Biology of the cell (Fifth ed.). Garland Science.