Desmoszomális

Desmoszomális refers to a type of intercellular junction found in animal tissues. These junctions are specialized structures that provide strong adhesive connections between cells, contributing to the mechanical integrity and stability of tissues. Desmosomes are particularly abundant in tissues that experience significant mechanical stress, such as the epidermis of the skin, cardiac muscle, and the uterine lining.

Structurally, desmosomes are complex and involve several key protein components. Cadherin family proteins, specifically desmogleins and desmocollins, are transmembrane proteins that span the intercellular space and mediate cell-to-cell adhesion. Inside the cell, these transmembrane proteins are linked to a cytoplasmic plaque composed of various adapter proteins, including plakoglobin and plakophilin. This plaque, in turn, connects to the intermediate filament cytoskeleton, typically keratin filaments in epithelial cells or desmin filaments in muscle cells. This connection to the cytoskeleton is crucial for distributing mechanical forces across the tissue.

The primary function of desmosomes is to resist shearing forces and maintain tissue cohesion. They act as spot welds, anchoring cells together and preventing them from separating under mechanical strain. This robust adhesion is essential for the proper functioning and survival of tissues that are subjected to physical stress. Disruptions in desmosome function or structure can lead to various diseases, including certain forms of blistering skin disorders and cardiomyopathies, highlighting their critical role in tissue health.