Desmoglein 3-Mediated Mechanical Transadhesion Controls Epithelial Stem Cell Quiescence
October 2021
in “
The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology
”
TLDR Desmoglein 3 is important for keeping hair follicle stem cells inactive and maintaining their special properties.
The study investigates the role of desmosomal cadherin desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) in maintaining the quiescence of epithelial stem cells (SCs) in the hair follicle bulge. By using experimental pemphigus vulgaris antibodies to mechanically uncouple Dsg3, the researchers found that quiescent SCs were activated, losing their stemness and beginning to cycle actively within 24 hours. This process involves delamination from their niche and a self-organized SC program that supports morphological repair and restores quiescence and multipotency. The study highlights Dsg3 as a crucial gatekeeper of SC quiescence and niche integrity, with implications for understanding epidermal biology and potential applications in clinical SC therapies and cancer treatments.
