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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
08:15
Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
Published on: October 17, 2014
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Cadherin flexibility provides a key difference between desmosomes and adherens junctions.
Humera Tariq1, Jordi Bella1, Thomas A Jowitt1
1Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom.
Summary
Desmosomes, crucial for tissue integrity, utilize desmoglein 2 (Dsg2) cadherins. This study reveals Dsg2
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Structural Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Desmosomes and adherens junctions are vital intercellular adhesive structures in vertebrate tissues.
- Cadherins, including desmosomal cadherins like Dsg2, mediate cell adhesion.
- Desmosomes exhibit calcium-independent hyperadhesion and ordered structures, unlike calcium-dependent adherens junctions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the structure of the entire ectodomain of desmoglein 2 (Dsg2).
- To understand the structural basis for desmosome adhesion and flexibility.
Main Methods:
- Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).
- Electron microscopy (EM).
- Solution-based biophysical techniques.
Main Results:
- The Dsg2 ectodomain structure is flexible, even when bound to calcium.
- Dsg2 ectodomain is shorter on average than type 1 cadherin crystal structures.
- The Dsg2 structure fits well with desmosome reconstructions, suggesting trans interactions and cis spacing.
Conclusions:
- Cadherin flexibility in Dsg2 may explain desmosome plasticity.
- This flexibility allows desmosomes to maintain hyperadhesion for tissue integrity.
- It also enables weaker, calcium-dependent adhesion during wound healing and development.
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