The role of desmosomes in carcinogenesis

Abstract

Guangxin Zhou,1 Linlin Yang,2 Ashley Gray,3 Amit Kumar Srivastava,4 Cuiping Li,5 Gongwen Zhang,6 Tiantian Cui2 1Department of Oncology, Central Hospital of Binzhou, Binzhou Medical College, Binzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G James Hospital/Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3The Ohio State University, 4Division of Radiobiology, Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; 5Department of Respiratory Medicine, 6Department of Cardiac Surgery, Central Hospital of Binzhou, Binzhou Medical College, Binzhou, People’s Republic of China Abstract: Desmosomes, which are intercellular adhesive complexes, are essential for the maintenance of epithelial homeostasis. They are located at the cell membrane, where they act as anchors for intermediate filaments. Downregulation of desmosome proteins in various cancers promotes tumor progression. However, the role of desmosomes in carcinogenesis is still being elucidated. Recent studies revealed that desmosome family members play a crucial role in tumor suppression or tumor promotion. This review focuses on studies that provide insights into the role of desmosomes in carcinogenesis and address their molecular functions. Keywords: desmosome, desmosomal cadherin, β-catenin, plakoglobin, plakophilins, desmoplakin 

Keywords

• Desmosome
• Desmosomal cadherin
• β-catenin
• Plakoglobin
• Plakophilins
• Desmoplakin