podosomes
Podosomes are specialized cell adhesion structures found in the cytoplasm of cells, particularly in fibroblasts and other mesenchymal cells. They play a crucial role in cell motility, migration, and adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Podosomes are characterized by their distinctive shape, resembling a foot or a pod, and are composed of a central actin core surrounded by a ring of actin filaments. This actin core is stabilized by various proteins, including ezrin, radixin, and moesin (ERM proteins), which anchor the podosome to the plasma membrane.
Podosomes are involved in several cellular processes. They facilitate cell adhesion to the ECM by interacting
The formation and function of podosomes are regulated by various signaling pathways, including those involving Rho