Hemidesmosomes are very small stud-like structures found in keratinocytes of the epidermis of skin that attach to the extracellular matrix.

Hemidesmosomes are also comparable to focal adhesions, as they both attach cells to the extracellular matrix.

[2] Hemidesmosomes are also involved in signaling pathways, such as keratinocyte migration or carcinoma cell intrusion.

[2] Hemidesmosomes are linked to keratin by plectin isoform 1a from the plakin protein family.

CD151, a protein of the tetraspanin superfamily, resides on the cell surface of keratinocytes and vascular endothelium.

Typical symptoms include fragile skin, blister development, and erosion from minor physical stress.

In dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, the layers of the papillary dermis separate from the anchoring fibrils.