Desmocollin-2

Desmocollin-2 (DSC2) is the broadly expressed desmocollin isoform, found in heart as well as in most epithelia and in early development where the stratified isoforms are absent. In cardiac intercalated discs, DSC2 partners with desmoglein-2 to form desmosomes that withstand constant mechanical stress, and it also localizes to the area composita junctions that mix adhesion and gap junction components. Mutations in DSC2 cause arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, with arrhythmia and fibrofatty myocardial remodeling. Autoantibodies against DSC2 are additionally implicated in IgA pemphigus, and altered DSC2 levels appear in tumor progression.