Tonofibril

Tonofibrils, discovered by Rudolf Heidenhain, and first described in detail by Louis-Antoine Ranvier,[1] are cytoplasmic protein structures in epithelial tissues[2] that converge at desmosomes and hemidesmosomes. Characterized by the fine fibrils in the epithelial cells[3].

Tonofilaments are also associated with desmosomes (macula adherens), anchoring them to the cytoskeleton.

Composition

Tonofilaments are keratin intermediate filaments that make up tonofibrils in epithelial tissue. In epithelial cells, tonofilaments loop through desmosomes. Electron microscopy has advanced to now illustrate the Tonofilaments more clearly[2].

The protein filaggrin is believed to have an important role in holding them together as tonofibrils. This protein is known to interact with intermediate filaments, specifically keratins. It is synthesized as a giant Precursor protein, profilaggrin (>400 kDA in humans). When the filaggrin binds to keratin intermediate filaments, it causes aggregation in macrofibrils.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Charles, Arwyn; Smiddy, F. G. (1957-09-01). "The Tonofibrils of the Human Epidermis1". Journal of Investigative Dermatology 29 (5): 327–338. doi:10.1038/jid.1957.108. ISSN 0022-202X.
  2. ↑ "tonofibril" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
  3. ↑ Sandilands, Aileen; Sutherland, Calum; Irvine, Alan D.; McLean, W. H. Irwin (2009-05-01). "Filaggrin in the frontline: role in skin barrier function and disease". J Cell Sci 122 (9): 1285–1294. doi:10.1242/jcs.033969. ISSN 0021-9533. PMC 2721001. PMID 19386895.

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