Desmosomal protein

Desmosomal proteins make up a multiprotein complex known as the **desmosome**, a specialized cell–cell adhesion structure prevalent in tissues subjected to high mechanical stress such as the skin and heart[1][3][5][8][9]. The principal desmosomal proteins are: - **Desmogleins (DSG1–4)** and **desmocollins (DSC1–3)**: calcium-dependent cadherins mediating adhesive contact between cells. - **Plakoglobin and plakophilins (PKP1–3)**: members of the armadillo family that help anchor the plaque to cytoskeletal intermediate filaments. - **Desmoplakin (DSP)**: a plakin family protein that links the cadherin–plaque protein complex to keratin intermediate filaments, conferring mechanical resilience[1][5][7][8]. Desmosomal proteins are not a single molecular target but a set of structurally and functionally distinct proteins that together form a junctional complex. Mutations or autoantibodies against individual desmosomal proteins lead to human disease, including blistering skin disorders (pemphigus vulgaris), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and others[3][8]. They also contribute to intracellular signaling, influencing cell polarity, proliferation, and differentiation[5]. **Important note:** "Desmosomal protein" refers to a class or a complex of proteins rather than a single molecular entity or therapeutic target. For structured databases or therapeutic development, information should be resolved to individual core proteins (e.g., desmoglein 1, desmoplakin); as such, this entry is potentially "incorrect" as a direct therapeutic target and should be considered too broad for most structured use cases[5][8].

Other names

desmosome core proteinsdesmosomal cadherins (desmogleins, desmocollins)armadillo family proteins (plakoglobin, plakophilin)plakin family protein (desmoplakin)