Tonofibril

Tonofibril

Tonofibrils are cytoplasmic structures found in epithelial cells and are associated with desmosomes. They are believed to provide structural support to the cell and are involved in cell-to-cell adhesion. Tonofibrils are composed of keratin intermediate filaments and are particularly abundant in cells that are subject to mechanical stress, such as the skin and mucous membranes.

Structure

Tonofibrils are composed of keratin intermediate filaments, which are a type of cytoskeletal protein. These filaments are bundled together to form the tonofibril. The tonofibrils originate from the desmosomes, which are cell structures involved in cell-to-cell adhesion. From the desmosomes, the tonofibrils extend into the cytoplasm of the cell.

Function

The primary function of tonofibrils is to provide structural support to the cell. They help to maintain the shape of the cell and resist mechanical stress. In addition, tonofibrils are involved in cell-to-cell adhesion, as they are associated with desmosomes. This is particularly important in tissues that are subject to mechanical stress, as it helps to maintain the integrity of the tissue.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the structure or function of tonofibrils can lead to a variety of skin disorders. For example, mutations in the genes that encode for keratin proteins can result in skin conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa simplex and pachyonychia congenita. In these conditions, the integrity of the skin is compromised due to defects in the tonofibrils.

See also

• Desmosome
• Keratin
• Epithelial cells
• Epidermolysis bullosa simplex
• Pachyonychia congenita

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