An analysis of the concanavalinA binding polypeptide components of bovine tongue epithelial desmosomes reveals that in addition to the known desmosomal glycoproteins of 100/115K (the ‘desmocollins’), 140K and 160/165K (‘desmoglein 1’) there is an uncharacterized glycoprotein of 125K (K = Mr × 10(−3). This latter polypeptide is immunologically distinct from known desmosomal glycoproteins, as determined by Western immunoblotting, but is recognized by an antibody preparation directed against the epithelial cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin. Moreover, the cadherin antibodies recognize a polypeptide present in bovine muzzle desmosomes that co-migrates with the 125K glycoprotein component of bovine tongue epithelial desmosomes. Upon treatment of bovine tongue desmosomes with a solution containing 9.5 M-urea, the 125K polypeptide becomes enriched in a urea-insoluble, membrane-enriched pelletable desmosomal fraction. Cadherin antibodies and antibodies directed against the 100/115K and 160/165K desmosomal glycoproteins generate similar immunofluorescence staining patterns in cryostat sections of bovine tongue epithelium. However, immunoelectron microscopic analysis of bovine tongue epithelium reveals that cadherin antibodies recognize components located both along the intercellular region of the desmosome and along nondesmosomal cell surfaces whereas antibodies directed against the 100/115K and the 160/165K desmosomal glycoproteins bind specifically to desmosomes. These results suggest that a cadherin-like glycoprotein component may play a role in the adhesive properties of the desmosomes of stratified squamous epithelia.
Call for papers: Cell and Tissue Polarity
-PolarityCFP.png?versionId=4839)
We are welcoming submissions for our next special issue, which will focus on ‘Cell and tissue polarity’ and will be guest edited by David Bryant. Submission deadline: 15 July.
The Forest of Biologists
We are excited to announce the launch of The Forest of Biologists, a new biodiversity initiative created with support from the Woodland Trust, aiming to counteract nature loss and safeguard some of the most critically endangered ecosystems for future generations. For every Research Article and Review/Commentary article that is published in Journal of Cell Science, a native tree is planted in a forest in the UK. View our virtual forest here.
Propose a new Workshop for 2025
Do you have an idea for a Workshop? We are now accepting proposals for our 2025 Biologists Workshops programme. As the scientific organiser, your involvement will be focused on the science. We'll take care of all the logistics. In 2025 we'll continue our efforts to diversify our Workshop programme and will be reserving one of our Workshops for an application from a Global South (GS) country to host an event overseas.
Editorial: Publishing where it matters
Cell Scientists to Watch
As a community-focused journal, Journal of Cell Science is keen to support the next generation of cell biologists. Check out Cell Scientists to Watch, our interview series featuring talented researchers who have recently set up their own labs.
Social media
