Review
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 1, 208-216 (December 2000) | doi:10.1038/35043032
Are desmosomes more than tethers for intermediate filaments?
Kathleen J. Green1 & Claire A. Gaudry1 About the authors
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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.
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Author affiliations
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology and the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Correspondence to: Email: kgreen@nwu.edu
