Plakoglobin (JUP)

Plakoglobin (JUP) is a cytoplasmic protein found in both desmosomes and adherens junctions, serving as a critical component for "cell-cell adhesion" in cardiac muscle and epithelial tissues[1][3]. As a member of the catenin family, it anchors cadherins to the cytoskeleton and maintains tissue integrity[1][2]. JUP plays dynamic roles in regulating intercellular adhesion, tissue architecture, and multiple signaling pathways, such as Wnt/β-catenin and p53, with implications in both normal development and disease. Mutations or dysregulation of plakoglobin are linked to arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia and several cancers. JUP functions as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and is being considered as a possible therapeutic target, particularly in oncology[2][3].

Other names

Junction plakoglobinγ-cateninCatenin gammaCTNNGDP3DPIIIPDGBPKGBdesmoplakin IIIdesmoplakin-3desmosomal protein 3junction plakoglobingamma-catenin

Not established for therapeutics; described mechanisms include potential modulation of signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt/β-catenin, p53, cadherin-mediated signaling) if hypothetical drugs target expression or function[2].