DSC3

DSC3 Full Name

desmocollin 3

DSC3 Introduction

Desmocollin 3 (DSC3) belongs to the family of cadherins (a large superfamily of transmembrane proteins which mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion in developing and adult tissues), more specifically to the desmosomal cadherins. Desmosomes are intercellular junctions of specialized adherens type which occur in areas subject to intense mechanical stress, and are responsible for strong adhesion between epithelial cells. DSC3 is one of four known desmocollin genes. It is mainly found in stratified squamous epithelia, and thus in skin and mucosal tissues. DSC3 has extracellular cadherin repeats which mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion and it has an intracellular domain which links it to the cytoplasmic plaque proteins and to the intermediate filament cytoskeleton.

Figure 1. A schematic diagram of the desmosome.(Source: Ohno S. et al.; 2016)

Functionally, DSC3 is believed to contribute to the architecture of epithelial tissues and maintain epithelial tissue integrity. DSC3 co-localizes with other desmocollins and desmogleins to form desmosomal junctions and participate in the formation of adhesive and communicative cell-cell junctions. Desmosomal cell junctions are especially important in resisting mechanical stress. Additionally, DSC3 was found to contribute to regulation of epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as contributing to tissue homeostasis signaling pathways. DSC3 is developmentally regulated and situationally regulated in expression.

Misregulation or mutations in DSC3 have been associated with various diseases. Loss or down-regulation of DSC3 expression has been observed in several epithelial carcinomas such as breast carcinomas, head and neck carcinomas and lung carcinomas. DSC3 expression inversely correlated with the invasiveness of epithelial cancers and poor patient prognosis. DSC3 may have a tumor suppressor role. Autoantibodies against DSC3 participated in the etiology of some autoimmune blistering skin diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris. Antibodies with specific binding against DSC3 caused a loss of desmosomal adhesion and subsequent epidermal detachment.