DESMOSOMES IN ORAL DISEASES – A REVIEW

Abstract

Desmosomes are the adhesion proteins that function both as an adhesive complex and as a cell surface attachment site for keratin intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton. Desmosomes are more widely distributed along the lateral membranes. Desmosomes contain two types of transmembrane proteins desmogleins and desmocollins which belong to cadherin family. These desmosomal cadherins are linked to the keratin cytoskeleton via several cytoplasmic proteins such as desmoplakin and plakoglobin. Desmosomes play a critical role in the maintenance of normal tissue architecture. They are frequently mutated and desmosomal adhesion is compromised by antibodies in autoimmune diseases and result in blistering disorders in epithelium. Inherited mutations in genes in desmosomal constituents can also affect the skin and the heart. Desmosomes may have a tumour suppressor function and desmosomal cadherins have the capacity to suppress the invasiveness of cells in culture.