Figure 2.

This figure shows a schematic diagram of the molecular level of the MTJ. Two types of protein complexes have been described so far: DGC (proteins 10–13 and 16–18) and a protein complex containing transmembrane α7β1 integrin (proteins 5–9). These complexes gather at the MTJ, corresponding to the sub-membrane density at the protrusions and link the sarcomeric actin to the ECM of the tendon cells through the basement membrane-associated protein α2, assembling into laminin 211 trimers. The two systems are linked through the intracellular protein α-actinin.