| Modification Notes |
The desmosomal cadherin desmocollin DSC1 is expressed in upper epidermis where strong adhesion is required (1). DSC1 is a type I membrane protein (4) required for strong adhesion and barrier maintenance in epidermis and contributes to epidermal differentiation (1). DSC3 is also a type I membrane protein (5) and is expressed in all living epidermal layers as well as in glandular ducts, basal matrix cells and the outer root sheath of hair follicles (3). DSC3, but not DSC1, is also present in desmosomes of the basal and suprabasal cell layers of other stratified epithelia such as cervix, tongue and esophagus as well as in cells of the basal layer of bladder urothelium and the complex epithelium of trachea (3,5). The DSC1 gene comprises 17 exons spanning approximately 33 kb on 18q12.1, and the DSC3 gene comprises 17 exons spanning approximately 49 kb on 18q12.1 (2). Alternative splicing gives rise to two DSC1 and DSC3 isoforms, designated 1A and 1B, and 3A and 3B, respectively, which differ in their carboxy termini (4,5). DSC1 and DSC3 may contribute to epidermal cell positioning by mediating differential adhesiveness between cells that express different isoforms (4). |
