What is the difference between hemidesmosome and desmosome

Recent developments have suggested the exciting possibility that these junctions, in addition to playing an important structural function in tissue integrity, are both acceptors and affectors of cell signaling pathways. Many desmosomal and hemidesmosomal constituents are phosphoproteins and in certain cases the function of specific phosphorylation sites in regulating protein-protein interactions is being uncovered. In addition, a more active role in transmitting signals that control morphogenesis during development and possibly even regulate cell growth and differentiation are being defined for cytoplasmic and membrane components of these junctions.

Abstract Desmosomes and hemidesmosomes are the major cell surface attachment sites for intermediate filaments at cell-cell and cell-substrate contacts, respectively. The key difference between desmosomes and hemidesmosomes is the basis of their function. While desmosomes form cell to cell adhesions, hemidesmosomes form adhesions between cells and the basement membrane. Thus, the proteins involved in the structural functions vary between desmosomes and hemidesmosomes.

Desmoglein and desmocollin are the proteins involved in desmosomes, while integrin and plectin are the proteins involved in hemidesmosomes.

The below infographic presents more information regarding the difference between desmosomes and hemidesmosomes. Desmosomes and hemidesmosomes are membrane-bound structures that act as adhesion structures.

Desmosomes act as cell to cell adhesions while hemidesmosomes act as adhesions that form between cells and the basement membrane. Thus, desmosomes are rigid junctions that are found in the cardiac muscle tissue or the gastrointestinal mucosa.

In contrast, hemidesmosomes are primarily found in keratinocytes. Thus, they facilitate the adhesion of the keratinocytes to the basement membrane. So, this summarizes the difference between desmosomes and hemidesmosomes. National Library of Medicine, June , Available here. Samanthi Udayangani holds a B. Degree in Plant Science, M. Your email address will not be published. Figure Desmosome. Figure Hemidesmosome. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. The orderly arrangement of cells in tissues depends on complex signaling between cells.

Learn how cellular junctions play important roles in cell adhesion and communication. Comments Close. The Comment you have entered exceeds the maximum length. Submit Cancel. Comments Please Post Your Comment. No comments yet.

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