Hemidesmosomes are similar in function to desmosomes but differ in their localization and specific components. While desmosomes connect adjacent cells, hemidesmosomes anchor cells to the extracellular matrix. They are commonly found in epithelial cells, where they connect the basal surface of the cell to the basement membrane. Hemidesmosomes comprise integrins (specifically α6β4 integrin), which link to intracellular proteins such as plectin and BP230, anchoring the cell to the extracellular matrix components like laminin.
