DESMOSOME CELL - CELL CONNECTIVITY - A REVIEW

Desmosomes can be defined as intermediate junctions which tether intermediate filaments to the plasma membrane . When the function of desmosomal protein is altered it can cause tissue fragility which then leads to significant clinical consequences. Desmosomes can be differentiated into 3 morphological identifiable zones namely (i) extracellular core region (ii) outer dense plaque (iii) inner dense plaque . The members of the cadherin superfamily include Desmogleins and Desmocollins. , mediate adhesion at desmosomes . Desmosomes are dynamic structures which are involved in the contribution of cellular processes beyond cell adhesion and are also quite critical when it comes to the maintenance of cell - cell adhesion. Desmosomes are also subject to dynamic regulation and undergo continual turnover. There are four isomers of desmoglein (Dsg 1-4) and three isoforms of desmocollin (Dsc 1-3) , found in humans. Calcium dependent assembly adhesion is seen in desmosomes. Pemphigus is a class of disease where the auto antibodies target desmosomal cadherins - Dsg 1 and Dsg 3. The members of the armadillo gene family , Plakoglobin and Plakophilin are included in the desmosomal plaque. The plakoglobin , plakophilin and desmoplakin associates the cadherin cytoplasmic tails. Alteration in desmosomal protein function leads to tissue fragility with significant clinical consequences.