Desmocollin 1 (DSC1)

Desmocollin-1 is a calcium-dependent glycoprotein that is a member of the desmocollin subfamily of the cadherin superfamily. These desmosomal family members, along with the desmogleins, are found primarily in epithelial cells where they constitute the adhesive proteins of the desmosome cell-cell junction and are required for cell adhesion and desmosome formation. The desmosomal family members are arranged in two clusters on chromosome 18, occupying less than 650 kb combined. Alternative splicing results in two transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms.Strongly expressed in epidermis, less in lymph node and tongue.The glycoproteins of 115 kD and 100 kD were named desmocollins to denote that they are involved in the adhesive function of the desmosomes.