Cellular Junctions & Cytoskeleton

1. Integrins: Transmembrane receptors that mediate cell-ECM adhesion. Connection: Integrins are involved in focal adhesions and hemidesmosomes.

2. Tight Junctions: Junctions that seal the space between adjacent cells, preventing leakage of substances between them. Connection: Form a barrier to paracellular transport between cells.

3. Plasmodesmata: Communication channels between plant cells (similar to gap junctions in animals). Connection: Analogous to gap junctions but in plant cells.

4. Adherens Junctions: Adhesive structures between cells, primarily formed by cadherins. Connection: Cell-cell junctions formed by cadherins that link actin filaments from neighboring cells.

5. Cadherins: Transmembrane proteins that mediate cell-cell adhesion. Connection: Cadherins are the key adhesion molecules in adherens junctions.

6. Actin (Microfilaments): Actin filaments are part of the cytoskeleton, providing mechanical support and facilitating cell movement and division. Connection: Part of the cytoskeleton; interacts with various junctions like adherens junctions, and focal adhesions

7. Cytoskeleton: The framework of the cell, consisting of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Connection: The structural support for junctions like desmosomes and adherens.

8. Desmosomes: Strong, button-like cell-cell junctions that anchor intermediate filaments. Connection: Cell-cell junctions that link intermediate filaments, providing mechanical strength.

9. Talin: A protein that links integrins to the actin cytoskeleton in focal adhesions. Connection: Plays a role in focal adhesion formation.

10. Intermediate Filaments: A part of the cytoskeleton that provides structural support. Connection: A part of the cytoskeleton that provides structural support.

11. Cell-Cell Junctions: Junctions between adjacent cells that provide structural support and communication. Connection: Includes adherens junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions for cell-cell interactions.

12. Paxillin: A protein involved in focal adhesion signaling and attachment. Connection: A key signaling protein at focal adhesions.

13. Connexins: Proteins that form the channels in gap junctions. Connection: Form the channels in gap junctions for cell communication.

14. Hemidesmosomes: Junctions that anchor intermediate filaments to the extracellular matrix. Connection: Cell-ECM junctions that involve intermediate filaments.

15. Focal Adhesions: Junctions where cells connect to the ECM through integrins. Connection: Cell-ECM junctions that link actin filaments with integrins.

16. Cell-Matrix Junctions: Junctions between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) that anchor the cell to the matrix. Connection: Includes focal adhesions and hemidesmosomes, which connect cells to ECM.

17. Gap Junctions: Specialized intercellular connections that allow direct communication between adjacent cells via ion channels. Connection: Allow molecular signaling and communication between cells.