The desmogleins are a family of desmosomal cadherins consisting of proteins DSG1, DSG2,

DSG3 Desmoglein-3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''DSG3'' gene. In the skin epidermis Desmoglein-3 is expressed in the basal lower layers of the epidermis, and dominates in terms of expression on mucosal surfaces compared to Desmoglein-1. ...

, and

DSG4 Desmoglein-4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''DSG4'' gene. See also * List of conditions caused by problems with junctional proteins Mutations of proteins that hold the cells of the skin together can cause disease. Autoantibo ...

. They play a role in the formation of

desmosome A desmosome (; "binding body"), also known as a macula adherens (plural: maculae adherentes) (Latin for ''adhering spot''), is a cell structure specialized for cell-to-cell adhesion. A type of junctional complex, they are localized spot-like adh ...

s that join cells to one another.

Pathology

Desmogleins are targeted in the autoimmune disease

pemphigus Pemphigus ( or ) is a rare group of blistering autoimmune diseases that affect the skin and mucous membranes. The name is derived from the Greek root ''pemphix'', meaning "pustule". In pemphigus, autoantibodies form against desmoglein, whi ...

. Desmoglein proteins are a type of cadherin, which is a

transmembrane protein A transmembrane protein (TP) is a type of integral membrane protein that spans the entirety of the cell membrane. Many transmembrane proteins function as gateways to permit the transport of specific substances across the membrane. They frequent ...

that binds with other cadherins to form junctions known as desmosomes between cells. These desmoglein proteins thus hold cells together, but, when the body starts producing antibodies against desmoglein, these junctions break down, and this results in subsequent blister or vesicle formation.Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, editors. Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders; 2012

References

External links

* * Cadherins Single-pass transmembrane proteins Protein families {{Membrane-protein-stub