P15924

Desmoplakin also known as DP, DCWHKTA, DSP is a crucial component of desmosomes, which are specialized cell adhesion structures that provide mechanical strength and stability to tissues, particularly in the epidermis and cardiac muscle. Desmoplakin′s primary function is to anchor intermediate filaments to desmosomal plaques, ensuring the integrity of cell-cell adhesion under stress. Desmoplakin interacts with plakophilins, such as plakophilin 1, 2, and 3, facilitating the recruitment of these proteins to desmosomes, which is vital for maintaining tissue architecture and resilience. Additionally, desmoplakin′s unique two-stranded coiled-coil structure, resulting from alternative splicing that produces isoforms I and II, underscores desmoplakin′s versatility and functional significance in cellular adhesion processes. Desmoplakin′s ability to act as a substrate for transglutaminases further highlights desmoplakin′s role in enhancing cell adhesion at the intraepidermal level, making desmoplakin an essential target for studies related to skin and cardiac health.