Desmoglein-3 is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, respo ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''DSG3''
gene
In biology, the word gene (from , ; "...Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a ba ...
.
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.
Function
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 are cell-cell junctions between epithelial, myocardial, and certain other cell types. Desmoglein 3 is a calcium-binding transmembrane glycoprotein component of desmosomes in vertebrate epithelial cells. Currently, four desmoglein subfamily members have been identified and all are members of the cadherin cell adhesion molecule superfamily. These desmoglein gene family members are located in a cluster on chromosome 18. This protein, along with Desmoglein-1, has been identified as the autoantigen of the autoimmune skin blistering disease
pemphigus vulgaris
Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare chronic blistering skin disease and the most common form of pemphigus. Pemphigus was derived from the Greek word ''pemphix'', meaning blister. It is classified as a type II hypersensitivity reaction in which antibodies ...
. The mucosal dominant form of pemphigus vulgaris only involves antibodies against Desmoglein-3 and causes mucosal erosions, but no skin lesions.
Desmoglein-3 serves as a prognostic marker of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC), and may even be involved in the progression of ESCC.
Pathogenicity
Pathogenicity of Desmoglein-3 antibodies comes from the existence of a tryptophan residue that could be interacting with the binding pocket that is necessary for trans-interaction of Desmoglein molecules.
Such antibodies can lead to the cause of skin disorders like pemphigus vulgaris.
Interactions
Desmoglein 3 has been shown to
interact
Advocates for Informed Choice, dba interACT or interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization using innovative strategies to advocate for the legal and human rights of children with intersex traits. The organizati ...
with
PKP3.
See also
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Desmoglein
The desmogleins are a family of desmosomal cadherins consisting of proteins DSG1, DSG2, DSG3, and DSG4. They play a role in the formation of desmosomes that join cells to one another.
Pathology
Desmogleins are targeted in the autoimmune disea ...
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List of target antigens in pemphigus
Circulating auto-antibodies in the human body can target normal parts of the skin leading to disease. This is a list of antigens in the skin that may become targets of circulating auto-antibodies leading to the various types of pemphigus.
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References
Further reading
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