PMC

Shown are some of the key structural elements of the costameric protein complex of the cardiac myocyte, including ones linked to the integrin-talin-vinculin axis, as well as the dystrophic-glycoprotein complex (DGC). The intercalated disk (ICD) structure providing mechanical and electrical linkage of myocytes is also shown. The ICD mechanical linkages include the desmosomes and the adherens (cadherin-containing) junctions, while electrical coupling of cells occurs at gap junctions (gap j.) which contain connexins (Cx) such as Cx43. This diagram is provided to orient the reader to the location of vinculin and talin (arrows) within the cell, but is clearly a simplified version of costamere and ICD.