Desmocollin-2 (DSC2)

Desmocollin-2 is a calcium-dependent, transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the cadherin superfamily, specifically the desmosomal cadherin subfamily[1][2][4]. It is a critical component of desmosomes—specialized cell-cell junctions that confer strong adhesion between epithelial and cardiac cells, enabling tissues to resist mechanical stress[1][2][4]. Desmocollin-2 is widely expressed in tissues with desmosomes but is the only desmocollin isoform present in cardiac muscle, where it localizes to intercalated discs[1][2]. It plays central roles in maintaining tissue structural integrity, regulating adhesion strength, mediating signal transduction (mechanotransduction), and coordinating repair responses such as epithelial wound healing[2][3]. Mutations in DSC2 can cause arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and are biomarkers for this condition[1][2][4][5]. Abnormal levels of desmocollin-2 are also implicated in the progression of multiple cancers and may influence tumor suppression or metastasis depending on cellular context[2][3]. **Note on Aliases:** Some entries such as DSC3 are technically a separate gene/protein (Desmocollin-3), but in literature and databases, DSC3 is sometimes included as an alias or due to misannotation. When mapping or curating, refer specifically to "desmocollin-2, DSC2" for clarity. **No known drugs directly target Desmocollin-2 as a therapeutic mechanism at present, nor is it a current primary drug target. Its main clinical relevance is as a disease biomarker and for understanding mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmia and epithelial cancers.[2][3]**

Other names

Desmocollin-2DSC2CDHF2Cadherin family member 2Desmosomal glycoprotein IIDesmosomal glycoprotein IIIARVD11DG2DGII/IIIDSC3 (sometimes incorrectly used; see note below)desmocollin-2cadherin family member 2desmosomal glycoprotein II/III