Desmosomes are specialized and highly ordered membrane domains that mediate cell-cell contact and strong adhesion. ... By mediating both cell–cell adhesion and cytoskeletal linkages, desmosomes mechanically integrate cells within tissues and thereby function to resist mechanical stress [1-3].

What is the function of the desmosomes?

Desmosomes represent major intercellular adhesive junctions at basolateral membranes of epithelial cells and in other tissues. They mediate direct cell-cell contacts and provide anchorage sites for intermediate filaments important for the maintenance of tissue architecture.

How do desmosomes connect cells?

Introduction. Desmosomes are intercellular junctions that provide strong adhesion between cells. Because they also link intracellularly to the intermediate filament cytoskeleton they form the adhesive bonds in a network that gives mechanical strength to tissues.