DSG3
Description
The DSG3 (desmoglein 3) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 18.
Desmoglein-3 is a protein encoded by the DSG3 gene in humans. In the skin, it is expressed in the lower layers of the epidermis, and it is more abundant on mucosal surfaces than Desmoglein-1. Desmoglein-3 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that forms part of desmosomes, cell-cell junctions found in epithelial, myocardial, and other cell types. It belongs to the cadherin superfamily, a group of cell adhesion molecules. Along with Desmoglein-1, it is an autoantigen in the autoimmune disease pemphigus vulgaris. Antibodies against Desmoglein-3 can cause mucosal erosions, but not skin lesions. Desmoglein-3 is also a prognostic marker for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) and may contribute to its progression. Antibodies against Desmoglein-3 can lead to skin disorders like pemphigus vulgaris because of a tryptophan residue that interacts with the binding pocket essential for Desmoglein molecule interaction.
DSG3 is also known as ABOLM, CDHF6, PVA.
