Description
Desmoglein 1 (DSG1) is a member of the desmosomal cadherin family. Desmosomes are intercellular adhering junctions that represent cell surface attachment sites for intermediate filament. Desmocollins and desmogleins are the main desmosomal transmembrane proteins. Desmogleins consist of Dsg1, Dsg2, Dsg3, and Dsg4 isoforms. Within the desmosome, the extracellular domain of desmoglein is essential for calcium dependent heterophilic binding to the desmocollins, whereas the intracellular domain is essential for binding to the desmosomal plaque protein, plakoglobin. Desmoglein 1 is synthesized exclusively in the suprabasal layers. Intact and functionally active desmoglein 1 is essential to epidermal integrity