Desmoglein 3 (DSG3) is a member of the desmoglein (DSG) subfamily. Dsg3 mainly serves as an adhesion component within intercellular desmosome junctions. It is part of the core complex comprising the most prominent cell-cell junctions - the desmosome. Together with the protein desmocollin (DSC), DSG is a key transmembrane adhesion protein that interacts with cadherins of the opposing cell. Homophilic (DSG3-DSG3) as well as heterophilic (DSC3-DSG1) interactions have been documented both in vitro and in vivo.
