Desmogleins: Hair Perspective

The document discussed the role of desmogleins (Dsgs), a group of calcium-dependent glycoproteins, in hair follicle differentiation and hair disorders. Dsgs were shown to be critical for cell adhesion and tissue integrity in stratified epithelia, including hair follicles (HFs). Different Dsgs, such as Dsg1, Dsg2, Dsg3, and Dsg4, were expressed in specific patterns correlating with cell differentiation states within the HF. Dsg3 was essential for anchoring telogen hair, and its absence led to hair loss in knockout mice. Dsg4 mutations were linked to hypotrichosis, highlighting its role in keratinocyte adhesion and differentiation in HFs. The study suggested that Dsgs were crucial for maintaining hair structure and function, with potential implications for understanding alopecia and other hair disorders.