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Myo Min KK, Ffrench CB, McClure BJ, Ortiz M, Dorward EL, Samuel MS, Ebert LM, Mahoney MG, Bonder CS. Desmoglein-2 as a cancer modulator: friend or foe? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1327478. [PMID: 38188287 PMCID: PMC10766750 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1327478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Desmoglein-2 (DSG2) is a calcium-binding single pass transmembrane glycoprotein and a member of the large cadherin family. Until recently, DSG2 was thought to only function as a cell adhesion protein embedded within desmosome junctions designed to enable cells to better tolerate mechanical stress. However, additional roles for DSG2 outside of desmosomes are continuing to emerge, particularly in cancer. Herein, we review the current literature on DSG2 in cancer and detail its impact on biological functions such as cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, invasion, intracellular signaling, extracellular vesicle release and vasculogenic mimicry. An increased understanding of the diverse repertoire of the biological functions of DSG2 holds promise to exploit this cell surface protein as a potential prognostic biomarker and/or target for better patient outcomes. This review explores the canonical and non-canonical functions of DSG2, as well as the context-dependent impacts of DSG2 in the realm of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay K. Myo Min
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Charlie B. Ffrench
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Barbara J. McClure
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael Ortiz
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Emma L. Dorward
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael S. Samuel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Basil Hetzel Institute, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SA, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lisa M. Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Mỹ G. Mahoney
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Claudine S. Bonder
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Uchechukwu CF, Anyaduba UL, Udekwu CC, Orababa OQ, Kade AE. Desmoglein-2 and COVID-19 complications: insights into its role as a biomarker, pathogenesis and clinical implications. J Gen Virol 2023; 104. [PMID: 37815458 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmoglein-2 (DSG2) has emerged as a potential biomarker for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications, particularly cardiac and cardiovascular involvement. The expression of DSG2 in lung tissues has been detected at elevated levels, and circulating DSG2 levels correlate with COVID-19 severity. DSG2 may contribute to myocardial injury, cardiac dysfunction and vascular endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19. Monitoring DSG2 levels could aid in risk stratification, early detection and prognostication of COVID-19 complications. However, further research is required to validate DSG2 as a biomarker. Such research will aim to elucidate its precise role in pathogenesis, establishing standardized assays for its measurement and possibly identifying therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chidiebere F Uchechukwu
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
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