Resnik, N., de Luca, G. M. R., Sepčić, K., Romih, R., Manders, E., & Veranič, P. (2019) | Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 152(3), 195–206
Summary
Desmosomal cadherins, including desmocollins and desmogleins, are cholesterol-dependent proteins that help maintain strong cell-cell adhesion in epithelial tissues.
In this study, the authors examined how reduced cellular cholesterol affects the behavior of desmocollin 2 (Dsc2) and the adhesive strength of desmosomes.
Using Dsc2-YFP as a fluorescent model in epithelial MDCK cells, they found that cholesterol depletion reduced lateral mobility and caused a more dispersed membrane distribution of Dsc2-YFP.
These changes were associated with weaker desmosomal adhesion, indicating that membrane cholesterol is important for stable intercellular junctions.
The study also provided the first ultrastructural evidence quantifying the association between desmosomes and cholesterol/sphingomyelin-rich membrane domains.
Overall, the findings highlight the key role of cholesterol in regulating desmocollin 2 organization and maintaining desmosomal mechanical stability.
Read the publication: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-019-01797-1