Desmoglein 1 (DSG1)

Desmoglein 1 is a calcium-binding transmembrane glycoprotein component of desmosomes in vertebrate epithelial cells. Currently, four desmoglein subfamily members have been identified and all are members of the cadherin cell adhesion molecule superfamily. These desmoglein gene family members are located in a cluster on chromosome 18. The protein encoded by this gene has been identified as the autoantigen of the autoimmune skin blistering disease pemphigus foliaceus.From restriction enzyme analysis, they showed that the order of the DSG genes and their orientation is as follows: 5-prime--DSG1--DSG3--DSG2--3-prime. The desmoglein isoforms are expressed in a stratification-related manner in human epidermis, DSG1 being suprabasally expressed and DSG3 at a lower level, while DSG2 expression is weak and basal.