875 A novel animal model of Desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) deficiency reveals an essential role for Dsg1 in epidermal barrier formation

Desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) is a desmosomal cadherin that first appears during skin development at the time of periderm formation, and later is expressed in basal cells as they begin to differentiate and transit into the suprabasal layers of stratified epidermis. Its importance in epidermal function is underscored by human diseases caused by aberrant Dsg1 expression, such as Striate Palmoplantar Keratoderma (SPPK) and SAM (Severe Skin Dermatitis, Allergies and Metabolic Wasting). In contrast to other mouse desmosomal cadherins, Dsg1 is present as three, tandem α, β and γ genes in the cadherin cluster, which has hindered generation of a Dsg1 model.
Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Growth Factors, Cell Adhesion and Matrix Biology Source Type: research