DSG3
DSG3 (desmoglein 3, CDHF6) is a calcium-binding transmembrane glycoprotein of the desmosomal cadherin group and a component of desmosome cell-cell junctions. It supports epithelial adhesion and is the autoantigen of the blistering disease pemphigus vulgaris. Browse Assay Genie's current range of DSG3 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
DSG3 is a component of desmosome cell-cell junctions, which are required for positive regulation of cellular adhesion. In keratinocytes it is required for adherens and desmosome junction assembly in response to mechanical force. It helps maintain the epithelial barrier by promoting desmosome-mediated attachment of suprabasal epithelium to basal cells, and it is essential for anchoring telogen hairs in the hair follicle through adhesion of cells surrounding the telogen hair club and the basal layer of the outer root sheath epithelium. DSG3 may also contribute to the protein stability of the desmosome plaque components DSP, JUP, PKP1, PKP2 and PKP3.
Beyond adhesion, DSG3 takes part in signalling and cytoskeletal organisation. In response to mechanical strain it forms a complex with PKP1 and YWHAG that is required for YAP1 localisation at the plasma membrane in keratinocytes, and it may positively influence YAP1 target gene transcription and cell proliferation. Together with RAC1 it positively regulates cellular contractility and cell junction formation by organising cortical F-actin bundles and anchoring actin to tight junctions. The cytoplasmic pool of DSG3 is required for localisation of CDH1 and CTNNB1 at developing adherens junctions, potentially by modulating SRC activity. It also inhibits keratinocyte migration by suppressing p38MAPK signalling, and may therefore moderate wound healing.
The DSG3 gene encodes a member of the desmoglein family within the cadherin cell adhesion molecule superfamily. Desmogleins are calcium-binding transmembrane glycoproteins found in desmosomes of epithelial, myocardial and other cell types. The preproprotein is proteolytically processed to a mature glycoprotein, and the gene sits in a cluster with other desmoglein genes on chromosome 18, alongside DSG1 and DSG2. The earlier HGNC name, desmoglein 3 (pemphigus vulgaris antigen), reflects its identification as the autoantigen of the autoimmune blistering disease pemphigus vulgaris. The mouse ortholog is Dsg3.
DSG3 is the autoantigen of pemphigus vulgaris, making it central to research on autoimmune blistering of epithelia.
DSG3 is required for desmosome and adherens junction assembly and may stabilise plaque components DSP, JUP and PKP1-3.
DSG3 maintains the epithelial barrier by linking suprabasal cells to basal cells and anchors telogen hairs in the follicle.
DSG3 links mechanical strain to YAP1 localisation, SRC and p38MAPK signalling, with effects on proliferation, contractility and keratinocyte migration.
DSG3 is a desmosome component that promotes cell-cell adhesion. In keratinocytes it supports junction assembly under mechanical force, maintains the epithelial barrier, anchors telogen hairs in the follicle, and contributes to YAP1, SRC and p38MAPK-related signalling.
The gene symbol DSG3 stands for desmoglein 3. CDHF6 is a previous symbol, and an earlier HGNC name was desmoglein 3 (pemphigus vulgaris antigen). UniProt lists the protein as Desmoglein-3, and the preproprotein is processed into a mature glycoprotein.
DSG3 is the autoantigen of the autoimmune blistering disease pemphigus vulgaris. A mouse ortholog, Dsg3, exists, so rodent models can be used to study its function. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other desmogleins from the same gene cluster on chromosome 18, with related desmosomal cadherin research targets.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P32926; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.