Differential Structural Properties and Expression Patterns Suggest Functional Significance for Multiple Mouse Desmoglein 1 Isoforms

The study explored the expression and functional significance of multiple mouse desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) isoforms, specifically Dsg1-α, Dsg1-β, and Dsg1-γ, in epithelial tissues. It was found that these isoforms were differentially expressed in the epidermis and hair follicles, with expression patterns changing according to the hair cycle. Dsg1-β and Dsg1-γ were also present in the sebaceous gland and stomach epithelium, unlike Dsg1-α. Notably, Dsg1-α and Dsg1-β, but not Dsg1-γ, were susceptible to cleavage by exfoliative toxin A. These findings suggested that the complexity of mouse tissue development, including skin and hair, might have driven the evolution of multiple Dsg1 genes in mice.