Desmosome Adhesion Molecules — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardPhysiologyDesmosome Adhesion MoleculesMFDS Part 1

Electron microscopy of oral epithelium shows disruption of cell–cell junctions whose cytoplasmic plaques contain plakoglobin and desmoplakin and are attached to keratin intermediate filaments. Which pair of transmembrane molecules forms the adhesive core of these junctions?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Desmogleins and desmocollins

The described junction is a desmosome: its intracellular plaque contains plakoglobin and desmoplakin and anchors keratin intermediate filaments. Its transmembrane adhesive core is formed by the desmosomal cadherins, desmogleins and desmocollins. Claudins and occludin are components of tight junctions, while connexins form gap-junction channels. Integrin α6β4 and collagen XVII are associated with hemidesmosomes, which attach epithelial cells to the basement membrane rather than to adjacent cells. E- and P-selectin mediate transient leukocyte–endothelial interactions and are not structural epithelial junction proteins.

Reference: Green KJ et al. Desmosomal Cadherins in Health and Disease. Annual Review of Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease. 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34425055/