Abstract
Desmosomes are intercellular adhesive junctions that anchor intermediate filaments at membrane-associated plaques in adjoining cells, thereby forming a three-dimensional supracellular scaffolding that provides tissues with mechanical strength. But desmosomes have also recently been recognized as sensors that respond to environmental and cellular cues by modulating their assembly state and, possibly, their signalling functions.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cadherins / genetics
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Cytoskeletal Proteins / genetics
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Desmoglein 1
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Desmoglein 3
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Desmoplakins
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Desmosomes / physiology*
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Epithelium / metabolism
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Humans
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Intermediate Filaments / physiology*
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Mice
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Models, Biological
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Plakophilins
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Proteins / genetics
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Signal Transduction
Substances
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Cadherins
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Cytoskeletal Proteins
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DSG3 protein, human
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Desmoglein 1
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Desmoglein 3
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Desmoplakins
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Plakophilins
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Proteins