DEV2011 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Adherens Junction, Cell Adhesion Molecule, Tight Junction
Document Summary
A cell junction is a type of structure that exists within the tissue of some multicellular organisms. Cell junctions consist of multiprotein complexes that provide contact between neighboring cells or between a cell and the extracellular matrix. Cell junctions are especially abundant in epithelial tissues. Cell junctions are especially important in enabling communication between neighboring cels via specialized proteins called communication junctions. Cell junctions are also important in reducing stress placed upon cells. In vertebrates, there are 3 major types of cell junctions: Adherens junctions, desmosomes and hemidesmosomes (anchoring junctions) Cells within tissues and organs must be anchored to one another and attached to components of the extracellular matrix. Anchoring-type junctions not only hold cells together but also provide tissues with structural cohesion. These junctions are most abundant in tissues that are subject to constant mechanical stress such as skin and heart. Desmosomes can be visualized as rivets through the plasma membrane of adjacent cells.
