Desmosome

Desmosome is a specialized cell structure involved in cell-to-cell adhesion. It is a type of cell junction that binds cells together, providing strength and rigidity to tissues. Desmosomes are found in various tissues, including the skin, heart, and muscle tissues.

Structure

Desmosomes are composed of proteins that span the cell membrane and connect to similar proteins in the adjacent cell. The main components of desmosomes are cadherin proteins, specifically desmogleins and desmocollins. These proteins interact with intracellular proteins such as plakoglobin, plakophilin, and desmoplakin, which in turn connect to the cytoskeleton of the cell.

Function

The primary function of desmosomes is to provide mechanical strength to tissues. They act like rivets, holding cells together and preventing them from being pulled apart. This is particularly important in tissues that experience a lot of mechanical stress, such as the skin and heart. In addition to their structural role, desmosomes also play a role in cell signaling and tissue development.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in desmosomes can lead to a variety of diseases, known as desmosomal diseases. These include skin diseases such as pemphigus and pemphigoid, as well as heart diseases such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). In these conditions, the function of desmosomes is impaired, leading to a loss of cell adhesion and tissue integrity.

See also

• Cell junction
• Cadherin
• Cytoskeleton

References

Desmosome Resources
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