Desmosome

A desmosome is a highly specialized, multi-protein complex forming intercellular junctions critical for strong adhesion between epithelial cells, particularly in tissues subject to mechanical stress such as the skin and heart[1][2][4][6]. Core components include transmembrane cadherins (desmogleins and desmocollins), armadillo family proteins (plakoglobin and plakophilins), and the cytolinker desmoplakin, which connects the junctions to intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton[1][2][3]. Desmosomes provide mechanical stability, organize cytoskeletal networks, and help maintain structural tissue resilience[1][4][6]. Dysfunction or autoimmune targeting of desmosomal proteins underlies several skin blistering disorders (e.g., pemphigus vulgaris) and some forms of cardiomyopathy[3][5]. As a multi-protein junctional complex rather than a single molecular entity (such as a receptor or enzyme), the desmosome itself is generally not considered a direct therapeutic target, though individual desmosomal proteins—most notably desmogleins—are implicated in disease and can serve as pathological biomarkers[1][3][5]. Clarification: The term “Epidermal cell desmosome complex” is a structural, not a single molecular, target. It refers to the entire desmosomal junction, which comprises several distinct proteins. Its complexity and redundancy limit suitability as a therapeutic molecular target or pharmacological "receptor." The precise names for drug targeting or biomarker use are typically those of its major protein constituents (e.g., desmoglein 1, desmoglein 3, desmoplakin) rather than the complex as a whole[5].

Other names

Macula adherensCell-cell desmosome junctionEpidermal desmosome complex