Desmoglein-2 (DSG2)

Desmoglein-2 is a calcium-binding transmembrane glycoprotein of the cadherin protein family, encoded by the DSG2 gene in humans[1][3][7]. It is a critical component of the desmosome cell-cell junction that provides strong intercellular adhesion, enabling tissues to withstand mechanical stress, particularly in epithelia and cardiac muscle[1]. Desmoglein-2 also regulates cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and signal transduction, and has been shown to modulate migration, invasion, and tumor growth in various cancers[3]. Mutations in DSG2 are associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and familial dilated cardiomyopathy due to disrupted adhesion in cardiac tissue[1]. Abnormal expression or loss of function contributes to the progression of cancer and inflammation by weakening cell-cell junctions and altering tissue homeostasis[3][4]. Besides epithelial and cardiac tissues, Desmoglein-2 is expressed in pancreatic islet cells where it affects β-cell survival and metabolic homeostasis[2]. No approved drugs directly target Desmoglein-2, but it remains both a candidate biomarker and an experimental therapeutic target in certain diseases.

Other names

Cadherin family member 2CDHF2Desmosomal glycoprotein IIDesmosomal cadherinDesmoglein II

Antibody-mediated inhibition (experimental), modulation of cell-cell adhesion, targeting of signaling pathways regulating apoptosis and proliferation, interference with desmosomal structural integrity[3][4]