apical plasma membrane urothelial plaque

Term ID

GO:0120001

Synonyms

• asymmetric unit membrane
• AUM

Definition

A scallop-shaped plaque, also referred to as an asymmetric unit membrane (AUM), found in the apical plasma membrane of urothelial superficial (umbrella) cells which form a a barrier to the passage of water and soluble toxic compounds found in urine. The plaques are thickened regions of membrane composed of uroplakin transmembrane proteins which form a crystalline array. (2)

References

Ontology

GO: Cellular Component    QuickGO    AmiGO