desmogleïne

Desmoglein is a group of transmembrane glycoproteins that are a crucial component of desmosomes. Desmosomes are specialized cell-to-cell adhesion structures found in epithelial and cardiac tissues. Desmogleins belong to the cadherin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules. They play a vital role in maintaining the mechanical integrity and stability of tissues by linking the intermediate filament cytoskeletons of adjacent cells.

There are four main types of desmogleins in humans: desmoglein 1, desmoglein 2, desmoglein 3, and desmoglein 4. These different desmogleins are expressed in specific tissues and at particular stages of development, contributing to the diverse adhesive properties of various tissues. For instance, desmoglein 1 is primarily found in the superficial layers of the epidermis, while desmoglein 3 is abundant in the deeper layers.

Mutations in desmoglein genes are associated with several human diseases, particularly blistering disorders. Pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus are autoimmune blistering diseases where antibodies target desmoglein 3 and desmoglein 1, respectively. This targeting leads to the breakdown of cell adhesion in the epidermis, resulting in blister formation and skin erosions. Understanding the structure and function of desmogleins is therefore important for comprehending epithelial biology and developing treatments for related diseases.