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Cadherin function: breaking the barrier.
1Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Northwestern University Medical School, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|August 18, 2001
Summary
Altering desmoglein isoform ratios impacts skin barrier function. This suggests these proteins have roles beyond cell adhesion in the epidermis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Desmosomes are crucial intercellular junctions in epithelial tissues.
- Desmogleins and desmocollins form the adhesive core of desmosomes.
- The specific roles of individual desmoglein isoforms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional significance of desmoglein isoform ratios.
- To determine if desmoglein isoforms have roles beyond cell adhesion.
- To elucidate the impact of altered desmoglein ratios on epidermal barrier function.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of desmoglein isoform expression.
- Assessment of epidermal barrier integrity.
- Investigation of cell adhesion assays.
Main Results:
- Changes in desmoglein isoform ratios were observed.
- Altered ratios correlated with impaired epidermal barrier function.
- Evidence suggests desmogleins influence barrier properties independently of adhesion.
Conclusions:
- Desmoglein isoform composition is critical for epidermal homeostasis.
- Desmogleins play multifaceted roles in epithelial tissue, including barrier regulation.
- Further research into desmoglein function could reveal therapeutic targets for skin disorders.