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New book reviews the structure and function of cell junctions

May 11th, 2010
New book reviews the structure and function of cell junctions
The cover of Cell-Cell Junctions features a triple-color fluorescence micrograph showing a monolayer cell culture of human keratinocytes that are connected to each other by cell-to-cell bridges containing desmosomes. These desmosomes, visualized by antibodies to the protein desmoplakin (red), provide anchorage to the cytoplasmic bundles of intermediate filaments of the keratin type (green). The chromatin of the nuclei of these cells is stained with a specific blue dye reagent. Credit: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

Cell-cell junctions are multi-molecular complexes that link neighboring cells. They help maintain tissue integrity, act as barriers to permeability, and allow intercellular transport.

Cell-Cell Junctions, a new book from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, surveys current research on cell junctions. It was edited by Elaine Fuchs (The Rockefeller University) and W. James Nelson (Stanford University), both leaders in the field.

In 21 chapters, the volume covers each of the main junction types—tight junctions, adherens junctions, and desmosomes—as well as the more specialized junctions of neuronal and immune cells. The contributors examine the assembly and structure of different cell junctions, their roles in cellular signal transduction, and their importance during development and normal tissue homeostasis.

"[T]hese Chapters provide examples of the remarkable structural and functional diversity of cell-cell junctions, and glimpses into future directions for research into this extraordinarily broad and exciting field," write the editors in the preface to the book. Also, an introductory chapter describes how each of the cell-cell junctions was discovered.

The book will serve as a vital reference for cell and developmental biologists wishing to know how cells interact in multicellular organisms.

More information:
About the book: Cell-Cell Junctions (ISBN 978-087969884-3; © 2010 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press) was edited by W. James Nelson (Stanford University) and Elaine Fuchs (The Rockefeller University). It is hardcover and is 443 pp. in length (7" × 10"; illus., index). For more information, see www.cshlpress.com/link/cellcelljunc.htm

Provided by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Citation: New book reviews the structure and function of cell junctions (2010, May 11) retrieved 19 August 2026 from https://sciencex.com/wire-news/35040763/new-book-reviews-the-structure-and-function-of-cell-junctions.html
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