desmocollin3

Desmocollin 3, also known as DSC3, is a protein that belongs to the cadherin superfamily. Cadherins are a class of cell adhesion molecules involved in calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. Desmocollin 3 is specifically a component of desmosomes, which are specialized adhesive junctions found in epithelial and cardiac tissues. These structures are crucial for providing mechanical strength and stability to tissues, particularly those subjected to significant stress.

The DSC3 protein is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a role in the formation and maintenance of desmosomes. It interacts with other desmosomal proteins, including desmogleins and plakoglobin, to form the desmosomal adhesion complex. This complex links the intermediate filament cytoskeletons of adjacent cells, contributing to the overall tensile strength of tissues.

Mutations in the DSC3 gene have been associated with certain human diseases. For instance, alterations in DSC3 have been implicated in some forms of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C), a genetic disorder affecting the heart muscle. Research is ongoing to fully understand the precise functions of DSC3 and its contribution to cellular adhesion and tissue integrity.