Desmocollin-3 (DSC3)

Desmocollin-3 is a calcium-dependent transmembrane glycoprotein that belongs to the desmocollin subfamily within the cadherin superfamily. It is one of the principal components of desmosomes—specialized intercellular junctions found primarily in epithelial tissues—which are essential for strong cell–cell adhesion. The protein is expressed mainly in the basal and suprabasal layers of stratified epithelia. Loss or dysfunction of desmocollin-3 impairs cellular adhesion, increases cellular mobility, and can contribute to tumor progression by promoting metastasis. Mutations in its gene (*DSC3*) cause rare inherited disorders such as hypotrichosis with recurrent skin vesicles. Additionally, autoantibodies against desmocollin-3 are implicated in certain autoimmune blistering diseases like pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus; these antibodies disrupt keratinocyte cohesion leading to acantholysis and blister formation. In some cancers—including breast and lung—desmocollin-3 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting pathways such as EGFR/ERK signaling.

Other names

Desmocollin 3DSC3_HUMANCadherin family member 6Previous HGNC symbol: DSC4