Expression of the desmosomal cadherins desmoglein 1, 2, and 3 (DSG1–3) and desmocollin 1 and 3 (DSC1, 3) as well as 6-integrin (ITGA6) in the interfollicular epidermis and the tongue epithelium of mice: Immunofluorescence staining of newborn epidermis ((a), (e), (c), (g)) and adult tongue ((b), (d), (f), (h)). The cadherins are shown in green while the integrin is shown in red. ((i), (j), (k), (l)) Schematic representation of the distribution of each desmosomal cadherin in the epidermis ((i), (k)) and tongue epithelium ((j and l)). Note that DSC2 antibodies which recognize the mouse isoform are currently not available (see text for details). Immunofluorescence signals from the stratum corneum are due to nonspecific binding of secondary antibodies (white bar). Cell layers expressing the relevant proteins are marked with brackets. The white arrow in (g) points towards the basal layer, which does not synthesize DSC1. Note that the expression of DSG in the tongue is low in the basal layers. (i, j, k, l) Distribution of the desmosomal cadherins in stratified epithelia (BL, basal layer; SC, stratum corneum). High expression levels are symbolized by a broad base and low expression levels are symbolized by narrow tips.
