Cell junctions Flashcards
What are 3 types of cell junctions?
- tight junctions
- cell-cell anchoring junctions
- cell-matrix anchoring junctions (holding hands junction)
What are belt desmosomes?
Cluster of junctions, which are connected to the cytoskeleton. This forms a belt around the cell.
What are cadherins?
transmembrane receptor
What molecule are cadherins dependent on?
calcium
What type of homophilic interactions can be seen in E. cadherin?
E. cadherins bind E. cadherins
How are cadherins anchored together - how do they make strong links between cells?
Homophilic interactions & links to actin cytoskeleton
What are the 2 types of actin-linked junctions?
- Adherens junction (bind to a cell)
- Focal adhesion (bind to extracellular matrix)
Explain the different steps in the adhesion belt in morphogenesis
Cadherin –> Catenin –> Actin –> Myosin
Describe the formation of a neural tube
The sheet of epithelial cells will bend (curve), where contaction occurs, as the basal lamina isn’t very flexible. This leads to invagination and eventually forming a neural tube.
What is the intermediate filament of an integrin?
hemidesmosome
What are hemidesmosomes?
Integrin’s intermediate filament, which attach cells to basal lamina.
What is the intermediate filament of a cadherin?
desmosome
What are desmosomes?
- cell-to-cell junctions
- plentiful in heart muscle & epidermis
What filaments prevent tearing, as long formations across the cell?
Keratin filaments
What is the role of pemphigus?
Contains desmoglein, hold together keratinocytes in epidermis. can cause autoimmune skin blistering.