Birbeck granules
Cytoplasmic organelles unique to Langerhans cells.
Last updated
Birbeck granules are rod-shaped or tennis-racket cytoplasmic organelles found exclusively in Langerhans cells. On electron microscopy they show a central linear density and striated appearance. Their synthesis is mediated by langerin. They are notable for differentiating Langerhans cell histiocytoses from other proliferative disorders.
Quick Facts
- Discovered by
- Michael Stanley Clive Birbeck
- Discovery location
- Chester Beatty Cancer Research Institute or Institute of Cancer Research, London
- Discovery period
- 1950 until 1981
- Associated protein
- langerin
- Diagnostic use
- Identification via electron microscopy was the only reliable way to diagnose Langerhans cell histiocytosis for decades
Facts from the source article.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Birbeck granules (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Word definitions: the Codexery glossary, each quoted from its Wikipedia article.
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