A comprehensive analysis of mRNA expression profiles of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma reveals downregulation of Desmoglein 1 and crucial genomic targets.

AIM: Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) is a histological subtype of esophageal cancer that begins in the squamous cells in the esophagus. In only 19% of the ESCC-diagnosed patients, a five-year survival rate has been seen. This necessitates the identification of high-confidence biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and potential therapeutic targets for the mitigation of ESCC. METHOD: We performed a meta-analysis of 10 mRNA datasets and identified consistently perturbed genes across the studies. Then, integrated with ESCC ATLAS to segregate 'core' genes to identify consequences of primary gene perturbation events leading to gene-gene interactions and dysregulated molecular signaling pathways. Further, by integrating with toxicogenomics data, inferences were drawn for gene interaction with environmental exposures, trace elements, chemical carcinogens, and drug chemicals. We also deduce the clinical outcomes of candidate genes based on survival analysis using the ESCC related dataset in The Cancer Genome Atlas. RESULT: We identified 237 known and 18 novel perturbed candidate genes. Desmoglein 1 (DSG1) is one such gene that we found significantly downregulated (Fold Change =-1.89, p-value = 8.2e-06) in ESCC across six different datasets. Further, we identified 31 'core' genes (that either harbor genetic variants or are regulated by epigenetic modifications) and found regulating key biological pathways via adjoining genes in gene-gene interaction networks. Functional enrichment analysis showed dysregulated biological processes and pathways including "Extracellular matrix", "Collagen trimmer" and "HPV infection" are significantly overrepresented in our candidate genes. Based on the toxicogenomic inferences from Comparative Toxicogenomics Database we report the key genes that interacted with risk factors such as tobacco smoking, zinc, nitroso benzylmethylamine, and drug chemicals such as cisplatin, Fluorouracil, and Mitomycin in relation to ESCC. We also point to the STC2 gene that shows a high risk for mortality in ESCC patients. CONCLUSION: We identified novel perturbed genes in relation to ESCC and explored their interaction network. DSG1 is one such gene, its association with microbiota and a clinical presentation seen commonly with ESCC hints that it is a good candidate for early diagnostic marker. Besides, in this study we highlight candidate genes and their molecular connections to risk factors, biological pathways, drug chemicals, and the survival probability of ESCC patients.

The human skin organ culture model as an optimal complementary tool for murine pemphigus models.

Pemphigus is a severe autoimmune bullous disease of the skin and/or mucous membranes caused by autoantibodies that mainly target the adhesion proteins desmoglein (Dsg) 3 and/or Dsg1. Clinically, pemphigus is characterized by flaccid blistering, leading to severe water and electrolyte loss. Before the introduction of corticosteroid treatment, the disease turned out to be fatal in many cases. Despite recent therapeutic improvements, treatment of pemphigus patients is centred on prolonged systemic immunosuppression and remains challenging. Current drug development for pemphigus has a strong focus on disease-causing B cells and autoantibodies and, more recently, also on modulating autoantibody-induced tissue pathology and keratinocyte signalling. This drug development requires reliable pre-clinical model systems replicating the pathogenesis of the human disease. Among those are neonatal and adult mouse models based on the transfer of Dsg3, Dsg1/3 or Dsg1-specific autoantibodies. To reduce the number of animal experiments, we recently established a standardized human skin organ culture (HSOC) model for pemphigus. This model reproduces the clinical phenotype of autoantibody-induced tissue pathology in pemphigus vulgaris. For induction of blistering, a recombinant single-chain variable fragment (scFv) targeting both Dsg1 and 3 is injected into pieces of human skin (obtained from plastic surgeries). Further characterization of the HSOC model demonstrated that key morphologic, molecular and immunologic features of pemphigus are being replicated. Thus, the pemphigus HSOC model is an excellent alternative to pemphigus animal model systems that are based on the transfer of (auto)antibodies.

Epidermal stratification requires retromer-mediated desmoglein-1 recycling.

Sorting transmembrane cargo is essential for tissue development and homeostasis. However, mechanisms of intracellular trafficking in stratified epidermis are poorly understood. Here, we identify an interaction between the retromer endosomal trafficking component, VPS35, and the desmosomal cadherin, desmoglein-1 (Dsg1). Dsg1 is specifically expressed in stratified epidermis and, when properly localized on the plasma membrane of basal keratinocytes, promotes stratification. We show that the retromer drives Dsg1 recycling from the endo-lysosomal system to the plasma membrane to support human keratinocyte stratification. The retromer-enhancing chaperone, R55, promotes the membrane localization of Dsg1 and a trafficking-deficient mutant associated with a severe inflammatory skin disorder, enhancing its ability to promote stratification. In the absence of Dsg1, retromer association with and expression of the glucose transporter GLUT1 increases, exposing a potential link between Dsg1 deficiency and epidermal metabolism. Our work provides evidence for retromer function in epidermal regeneration, identifying it as a potential therapeutic target.

Desmogleins 1, 3, and E-cadherin immunohistochemical expression within mucocutaneous pemphigus vulgaris.

Introduction: pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune condition characterized by the loss of adhesion between the epithelial cells and blister formation. The production of autoantibodies against desmosomal proteins, namely, desmoglein (DSG) 1 and DSG3, is considered a main event of PV. A full understanding of the role of adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of PV is not fully elucidated yet. This study aimed to evaluate and correlate the immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin (E-cad), DSG1, and DSG3 proteins in oral and skin PV. Methods: this study was a retrospective analysis study. Positive PV cases were stained with anti-E-cad, anti-DSG1, and anti-DSG3 antibodies. The expression of each marker was determined by two pathologists according to an established scoring system: (E-cad: negative, weak, moderate, and strong), (DSG1: negative, weak, and strong), and (DSG3: negative and positive). The Chi-square and Pearson´s correlation tests were used to statistically analyze the data. Results: forty-three biopsies (26 skin and 17 oral tissue samples) from 22 males and 21 female PV patients were included. The median age was 40.50 years. In total, the immunohistochemical expression was negative for DSG3, E-cad, and DSG1 in 81.4%, 18.5%, and 16.4%, respectively. DSG1 expression was significantly higher in males than females. A statistically significant correlation was found between E-cad and DSG3 expressions. Conclusion: a significant difference in the expression of markers of both oral and skin PV was absent. Downregulation of DSG3 expression was the hallmark feature that also showed a positive correlation with E-cad expression.

Dsg1 and Dsg3 Composition of Desmosomes Across Human Epidermis and Alterations in Pemphigus Vulgaris Patient Skin.

Desmosomes are important epidermal adhesion units and signalling hubs, which play an important role in pemphigus pathogenesis. Different expression patterns of the pemphigus autoantigens desmoglein (Dsg)1 and Dsg3 across different epidermal layers have been demonstrated. However, little is known about changes in desmosome composition in different epidermal layers or in patient skin. The aim of this study was thus to characterize desmosome composition in healthy and pemphigus skin using super-resolution microscopy. An increasing Dsg1/Dsg3 ratio from lower basal (BL) to uppermost granular layer (GL) was observed. Within BL desmosomes, Dsg1 and Dsg3 were more homogeneously distributed whereas superficial desmosomes mostly comprised one of the two molecules or domains containing either one but not both. Extradesmosomal, desmoplakin (Dp)-independent, co-localization of Dsg3 with plakoglobin (Pg) was found mostly in BL and extradesmosomal Dsg1 co-localization with Pg in all layers. In contrast, in the spinous layer (SL) most Dsg1 and Dsg3 staining was confined to desmosomes, as revealed by the co-localization with Dp. In pemphigus patient skin, Dsg1 and Dsg3 immunostaining was altered especially along blister edges. The number of desmosomes in patient skin was reduced significantly in basal and spinous layer keratinocytes with only few split desmosomes found. In addition, Dsg1-Pg co-localization at the apical BL and Dsg3-Pg co-localization in SL were significantly reduced in patients, suggesting that that extradesmosomal Dsg molecules were affected. These results support the hypothesis that pemphigus is a desmosome assembly disease and may help to explain histopathologic differences between pemphigus phenotypes.

Utility of oral mucosa as a substrate for the serodiagnosis of pemphigus: A descriptive analysis.

BACKGROUND: The indirect immunofluorescence test is useful in the serodiagnosis of pemphigus. As indirect immunofluorescence titers correlate with disease activity in pemphigus, it is often used as a monitoring tool. The sensitivity of indirect immunofluorescence depends on the substrate used, and the preferred substrates are monkey esophagus for pemphigus vulgaris and normal human skin for pemphigus foliaceus. AIMS: We evaluated oral mucosa as a substrate for indirect immunofluorescence in pemphigus. METHODS: Fifty patients with pemphigus (40 with pemphigus vulgaris and ten with pemphigus foliaceus) and 50 controls were enrolled for study. Demographic and clinical details were recorded and indirect immunofluorescence using two substrates (oral mucosa and normal human skin) was carried out in serial dilution. Desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and 3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was also evaluated simultaneously. RESULTS: Indirect immunofluorescence was positive in 40 patients (80%) with oral mucosa substrate and 34 patients (68%) with normal human skin substrate. Circulating antibodies were detected with oral mucosa in 33 (82.5%) of the 40 pemphigus vulgaris patients and in 26 (65%) patients using normal human skin. Antibodies were detected in eight of the ten pemphigus foliaceus patients (80%) with normal human skin and in seven (70%) patients with oral mucosa. Dsg enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was positive in 45 (90%) patients, and 37 of these were also indirect immunofluorescence positive with oral mucosa. In the five Dsg enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-negative patients, indirect immunofluorescence with oral mucosa was positive in three. LIMITATIONS: A comparison of oral mucosa with monkey esophagus could not be performed. CONCLUSION: Oral mucosa is a suitable and sensitive substrate for indirect immunofluorescence in pemphigus. Further studies comparing the sensitivity of indirect immunofluorescence using oral mucosa with monkey esophagus are recommended.

Differential Pathomechanisms of Desmoglein 1 Transmembrane Domain Mutations in Skin Disease.

Dominant and recessive mutations in the desmosomal cadherin, desmoglein (DSG) 1, cause the skin diseases palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) and severe dermatitis, multiple allergies, and metabolic wasting (SAM) syndrome, respectively. In this study, we compare two dominant missense mutations in the DSG1 transmembrane domain (TMD), G557R and G562R, causing PPK (DSG1PPK-TMD) and SAM syndrome (DSG1SAM-TMD), respectively, to determine the differing pathomechanisms of these mutants. Expressing the DSG1TMD mutants in a DSG-null background, we use cellular and biochemical assays to reveal the differences in the mechanistic behavior of each mutant. Super-resolution microscopy and functional assays showed a failure by both mutants to assemble desmosomes due to reduced membrane trafficking and lipid raft targeting. DSG1SAM-TMD maintained normal expression levels and turnover relative to wildtype DSG1, but DSG1PPK-TMD lacked stability, leading to increased turnover through lysosomal and proteasomal pathways and reduced expression levels. These results differentiate the underlying pathomechanisms of these disorders, suggesting that DSG1SAM-TMD acts dominant negatively, whereas DSG1PPK-TMD is a loss-of-function mutation causing the milder PPK disease phenotype. These mutants portray the importance of the DSG TMD in desmosome function and suggest that a greater understanding of the desmosomal cadherin TMDs will further our understanding of the role that desmosomes play in epidermal pathophysiology.

Optimal application method of a moisturizer on the basis of skin physiological functions.

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have clarified the usefulness of moisturizers for dry skin diseases. However, few reports exist on the appropriate application of moisturizers with respect to the skin physiological functions. AIMS: To clarify the optimal moisturizer application method on the basis of skin physiological functions. METHODS: This study investigated the appropriate time, dose, and frequency of moisturizer application from the perspective of skin physiology. In healthy subjects, the stratum corneum water content (SCW) was compared between different moisturizer application times (immediately [≤5 min] and 90 min after bathing), doses (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/cm2 ), and frequencies (once and twice daily). Thereafter, patients with dry skin were treated with the moisturizer once or twice daily for 8 weeks at the time, and application dose was determined to be optimal for the healthy subjects; the moisturizing effect was evaluated based on the SCW, trypsin activity, and desmoglein 1 localization score in the stratum corneum. RESULTS: In healthy subjects, compared to at control sites, the SCW was significantly higher at sites treated with the moisturizer immediately after bathing, with 1.0 and 2.0 mg/cm2 of the moisturizer, and with once- and twice-daily applications. In patients with dry skin, the SCW was significantly higher compared to control sites and the desmoglein 1 localization score was significantly lower after 8 weeks only when the moisturizer was applied twice daily. CONCLUSIONS: Moisturizer application of ≥1.0 mg/cm2 twice daily (immediately after bathing at night and in the morning) had a moisturizing effect, as verified from the skin physiological functions.

Microplasma Treatment versus Negative Pressure Therapy for Promoting Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice.

The delayed healing response of diabetic wounds is a major challenge for treatment. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been widely used to treat chronic wounds. However, it usually requires a long treatment time and results in directional growth of wound healing skin tissue. We investigated whether nonthermal microplasma (MP) treatment can promote the healing of skin wounds in diabetic mice. Splint excision wounds were created on diabetic mice, and various wound healing parameters were compared among MP treatment, NPWT, and control groups. Quantitative analysis of the re-epithelialization percentage by detecting Ki67 and DSG1 expression in the extending epidermal tongue (EET) of the wound area and the epidermal proliferation index (EPI) was subsequently performed. Both treatments promoted wound healing by enhancing wound closure kinetics and wound bed blood flow; this was confirmed through histological analysis and optical coherence tomography. Both treatments also increased Ki67 and DSG1 expression in the EET of the wound area and the EPI to enhance re-epithelialization. Increased Smad2/3/4 mRNA expression was observed in the epidermis layer of wounds, particularly after MP treatment. The results suggest that the Smad-dependent transforming growth factor ß signaling contributes to the enhancement of re-epithelialization after MP treatment with an appropriate exposure time. Overall, a short-term MP treatment (applied for 30 s twice a day) demonstrated comparable or better efficacy to conventional NPWT (applied for 4 h once a day) in promoting wound healing in diabetic mice. Thus, MP treatment exhibits promise for treating diabetic wounds clinically.

Inhibition of desmoglein-1 by aspirin leads to synthetic lethality of keratinocytes in Shuanghuanglian-induced cutaneous eruption response.

Cutaneous eruptions caused by the combination of Chinese and Western medicine have attracted widespread attention; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the potential mechanism of cutaneous eruptions in vivo and in vitro using the combination of Shuanghuanglian injection powder (SHL) and aspirin (ASA) as an example. ASA and SHL co-administration induced inflammatory responses in HaCat cells, as evidenced by marked increases in the expression of IL-4 and TNF-α, and the level of apoptosis. Additionally, histopathological investigation of mice skin tissues showed local inflammatory cell infiltration. Western boltting was used to detect the effects of ASA on desmoglein-1 (DSG1) expression; we found that DSG1 expression was down-regulated in vivo and in vitro. Finally, the key components of SHL were administered to HaCat cells with down-regulated DSG1; it was seen that neochlorogenic acid and rutin have a significant effect on HaCat cell apoptosis. These results demonstrate that DSG1 deficiency is a potential cause of cutaneous eruptions caused by the combination of SHL and ASA, and neochlorogenic acid and rutin are the main allergenic components. This study provides a new research strategy for the safety evaluation of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Deep-intronic and frameshift DSG1 variants associated with atypical severe dermatitis, multiple allergies and metabolic wasting (SAM) syndrome in a Chinese family.

BACKGROUND: Severe dermatitis, multiple allergies and metabolic wasting (SAM) syndrome comprise a rare genodermatosis associated with biallelic (homozygous or compound heterozygous) mutations in the DSG1 (desmoglein-1) gene, or heterozygous mutations in the DSP (desmoplakin) gene. To date, while many patients with SAM syndrome have been described, the number of cases with SAM syndrome with deep-intronic variants, together its genetic aetiology, remain limited. OBJECTIVES: We report the case of a five-year-old Chinese boy with atypical SAM syndrome. MATERIALS & METHODS: Relevant blood specimens from the family were collected. DNA isolation, RNA isolation and cDNA synthesis, and next-generation sequencing using a multi-gene panel were applied to verify the pathogenic gene. To test the functional consequences and pathogenic mechanism of the deep-intronic mutation in vitro, a mini gene strategy was constructed. RESULTS: A heterozygous DSG1 deletion (c.2437_2450delACCTATCCCTCGGG: p.Tyr814Trpfs*6) and a deep-intronic (c.1688-30A > T) variant were identified. The identified intronic variant was shown to create an alternative splice site, leading to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay of the aberrant transcript. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to demonstrate a causal role for a deep-intronic DSG1 mutation in a patient with SAM syndrome. Our findings underline the need to analyse the intronic regions of DSG1 in patients with SAM syndrome. Improved diagnosis and a better understanding of prognosis will lead to clearer a picture of the concept of atypical SAM syndrome.

Staphylococcus epidermidis protease EcpA can be a deleterious component of the skin microbiome in atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the most abundant bacteria found on the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). S aureus is known to exacerbate AD, whereas S epidermidis has been considered a beneficial commensal organism. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we hypothesized that S epidermidis could promote skin damage in AD by the production of a protease that damages the epidermal barrier. METHODS: The protease activity of S epidermidis isolates was compared with that of other staphylococcal species. The capacity of S epidermidis to degrade the barrier and induce inflammation was examined by using human keratinocyte tissue culture and mouse models. Skin swabs from atopic and healthy adult subjects were analyzed for the presence of S epidermidis genomic DNA and mRNA. RESULTS: S epidermidis strains were observed to produce strong cysteine protease activity when grown at high density. The enzyme responsible for this activity was identified as EcpA, a cysteine protease under quorum sensing control. EcpA was shown to degrade desmoglein-1 and LL-37 in vitro, disrupt the physical barrier, and induce skin inflammation in mice. The abundance of S epidermidis and expression of ecpA mRNA were increased on the skin of some patients with AD, and this correlated with disease severity. Another commensal skin bacterial species, Staphylococcus hominis, can inhibit EcpA production by S epidermidis. CONCLUSION: S epidermidis has commonly been regarded as a beneficial skin microbe, whereas S aureus has been considered deleterious. This study suggests that the overabundance of S epidermidis found on some atopic patients can act similarly to S aureus and damage the skin by expression of a cysteine protease.

Identification of a primary antigenic target of epitope spreading in endemic pemphigus foliaceus.

Epitope spreading is an important mechanism for the development of autoantibodies (autoAbs) in autoimmune diseases. The study of epitope spreading in human autoimmune diseases is limited due to the major challenge of identifying the initial/primary target epitopes on autoantigens in autoimmune diseases. We have been studying the development of autoAbs in an endemic human autoimmune disease, Brazilian pemphigus foliaceus (or Fogo Selvagem (FS)). Our previous findings demonstrated that patients before (i.e. preclinical) and at the onset of FS have antibody (Ab) responses against other keratinocyte adhesion molecules in addition to the main target autoantigen of FS, desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), and anti-Dsg1 monoclonal Abs (mAbs) cross-reacted with an environmental antigen LJM11, a sand fly saliva protein. Since sand fly is prevalent in FS endemic regions, individuals in these regions could develop Abs against LJM11. The anti-LJM11 Abs could recognize different epitopes on LJM11, including an epitope that shares the structure similarity with an epitope on Dsg1 autoantigen. Thus, Ab response against this epitope on LJM11 could be the initial autoAb response detected in individuals in FS endemic regions, including those who eventually developed FS. Accordingly, this LJM11 and Dsg1 cross-reactive epitope on Dsg1 could be the primary target of the autoimmune response in FS. This investigation aimed to determine whether the autoAb responses against keratinocyte adhesion molecules are linked and originate from the immune response to LJM11. The anti-Dsg1 mAbs from preclinical FS and FS individuals were employed to determine their specificity or cross-reactivity to LJM11 and keratinocyte adhesion molecules. The cross-reactive epitopes on autoantigens were mapped. Our results indicate that all tested mAbs cross-reacted with LJM11 and keratinocyte adhesion molecules, and we identified an epitope on these keratinocyte adhesion molecules which is mimicked by LJM11. Thus, the cross-reactivity could be the mechanism by which the immune response against an environmental antigen triggers the initial autoAb responses. Epitope spreading leads to the pathogenic autoAb development and ensuing FS among genetically susceptible individuals.

Negative Expression of DSG1 and DSG2, as Prognostic Biomarkers, Impacts on the Overall Survival in Patients with Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

AIMS: To evaluate the expression of DSG1 and DSG2 and investigate their clinicopathological significance in EHCC. METHOD: The protein expression of DSG1 and DSG2 was measured by EnVision immunohistochemistry in 15 normal biliary tract tissues, 10 biliary tract adenoma tissues, 30 peritumoral tissues, and 100 EHCC tumour tissues. RESULT: The expression of the DSG1 and DSG2 proteins was significantly lower in EHCC tumour tissues than in normal biliary tract tissues, biliary tract adenoma, and peritumoral tissues (P < 0.05). Adenoma and peritumoral tissues with negative DSG1 and/or DSG2 protein expression exhibited atypical hyperplasia. DSG1 expression was positively correlated with DSG2 expression in EHCC (P < 0.01). In patients with good differentiation, no invasion, no lymph metastasis, TNM I + II stage, and radical surgery, the positive expression of DSG1 and DSG2 proteins was higher (P < 0.05). In comparison to patients with negative DSG1 and/or DSG2 expression, the average overall survival time of those with positive expression was significantly longer (P = 0.000). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that negative DSG1 and DSG2 expressions were independent of poor prognosis factors in EHCC patients. The AUC calculated for DSG1 was 0.681 (95% confidence interval: 0.594-0.768) and that for DSG2 was 0.645 (95% confidence interval: 0.555-0.734), while that for DSG1 and DSG2 was 0.772 (95% confidence interval: 0.609-0.936). CONCLUSIONS: Negative protein expression of DSG1 and DSG2 is closely related to the pathogenesis, severe clinicopathological characteristics, aggressive biological behaviours, and dismal prognosis in EHCC.

Exogenous sex steroids regulate genital epithelial barrier function in female rhesus macaques.

There is concern that using depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) for pregnancy prevention heightens HIV susceptibility. While no clinical data establishes causal link between HIV acquisition and use of this injectable progestin, prior work from our laboratory showed that DMPA comparably lowers genital levels of the cell-cell adhesion molecule desmoglein-1 (DSG1) and weakens genital epithelial barrier function in female mice and women. We likewise saw DMPA increase mouse susceptibility to multiple genital pathogens including HIV. Herein, we sought to confirm and extend these findings by comparing genital epithelial barrier function in untreated rhesus macaques (RM) vs. RM treated with DMPA or DMPA and estrogen (E). Compared to controls, genital tissue from RM with pharmacologically relevant serum levels of medroxyprogesterone acetate displayed significantly lower DSG1 levels and greater permeability to low molecular mass molecules. Conversely, DMPA-mediated effects on genital epithelial integrity and function were obviated in RM administered DMPA and E. These data corroborate the diminished genital epithelial barrier function observed in women initiating DMPA and identify RM as a useful preclinical model for defining effects of exogenous sex steroids on genital pathogen susceptibility. As treatment with E averted DMPA-mediated loss of genital epithelial barrier function, our results also imply that contraceptives releasing progestin and E may be less likely to promote transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted pathogens than progestin-only compounds.

Norethisterone Enanthate Increases Mouse Susceptibility to Genital Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 and HIV Type 1.

Norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) and depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) are two forms of injectable progestin used for contraception. Whereas clinical research indicates that women using DMPA are more susceptible to HIV and other genital pathogens, causal relationships have not been determined. Providing an underlying mechanism for this connection, however, is recent work that showed DMPA weakens genital mucosal barrier function in mice and humans and respectively promotes susceptibility of wild-type and humanized mice to genital infection with HSV type 2 and HIV type 1. However, analogous effects of NET-EN treatment on antivirus immunity and host susceptibility to genital infection are much less explored. In this study, we show that compared with mice in estrus, treatment of mice with DMPA or NET-EN significantly decreased genital levels of the cell-cell adhesion molecule desmoglein-1 and increased genital mucosal permeability. These effects, however, were more pronounced in DMPA- versus NET-EN-treated mice. Likewise, we detected comparable mortality rates in DMPA- and NET-EN-treated wild-type and humanized mice after intravaginal infection with HSV type 2 or cell-associated HIV type 1, respectively, but NET-EN treatment was associated with slower onset of HSV-induced genital pathology and lower burden of systemic HIV disease. These findings reveal DMPA and NET-EN treatment of mice significantly reduces genital desmoglein-1 levels and increases genital mucosal permeability and susceptibility to genital pathogens while also implying that NET-EN generates less compromise of genital mucosal barrier function than DMPA.

Keratinocyte cadherin desmoglein 1 controls melanocyte behavior through paracrine signaling.

The epidermis is the first line of defense against ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Keratinocytes and melanocytes respond to UV exposure by eliciting a tanning response dependent in part on paracrine signaling, but how keratinocyte:melanocyte communication is regulated during this response remains understudied. Here, we uncover a surprising new function for the keratinocyte-specific cell-cell adhesion molecule desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) in regulating keratinocyte:melanocyte paracrine signaling to promote the tanning response in the absence of UV exposure. Melanocytes within Dsg1-silenced human skin equivalents exhibited increased pigmentation and altered dendrite morphology, phenotypes which were confirmed in 2D culture using conditioned media from Dsg1-silenced keratinocytes. Dsg1-silenced keratinocytes increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone precursor (Pomc) and cytokine mRNA. Melanocytes cultured in media conditioned by Dsg1-silenced keratinocytes increased Mitf and Tyrp1 mRNA, TYRP1 protein, and melanin production and secretion. Melanocytes in Dsg1-silenced skin equivalents mislocalized suprabasally, reminiscent of early melanoma pagetoid behavior. Together with our previous report that UV reduces Dsg1 expression, these data support a role for Dsg1 in controlling keratinocyte:melanocyte paracrine communication and raise the possibility that a Dsg1-deficient niche contributes to pagetoid behavior, such as occurs in early melanoma development.

The Role of Desmoglein 1 in Gap Junction Turnover Revealed through the Study of SAM Syndrome.

An effective epidermal barrier requires structural and functional integration of adherens junctions, tight junctions, gap junctions (GJ), and desmosomes. Desmosomes govern epidermal integrity while GJs facilitate small molecule transfer across cell membranes. Some patients with severe dermatitis, multiple allergies, and metabolic wasting (SAM) syndrome, caused by biallelic desmoglein 1 (DSG1) mutations, exhibit skin lesions reminiscent of erythrokeratodermia variabilis, caused by mutations in connexin (Cx) genes. We, therefore, examined whether SAM syndrome-causing DSG1 mutations interfere with Cx expression and GJ function. Lesional skin biopsies from SAM syndrome patients (n = 7) revealed decreased Dsg1 and Cx43 plasma membrane localization compared with control and nonlesional skin. Cultured keratinocytes and organotypic skin equivalents depleted of Dsg1 exhibited reduced Cx43 expression, rescued upon re-introduction of wild-type Dsg1, but not Dsg1 constructs modeling SAM syndrome-causing mutations. Ectopic Dsg1 expression increased cell-cell dye transfer, which Cx43 silencing inhibited, suggesting that Dsg1 promotes GJ function through Cx43. As GJA1 gene expression was not decreased upon Dsg1 loss, we hypothesized that Cx43 reduction was due to enhanced protein degradation. Supporting this, PKC-dependent Cx43 S368 phosphorylation, which signals Cx43 turnover, increased after Dsg1 depletion, while lysosomal inhibition restored Cx43 levels. These data reveal a role for Dsg1 in regulating epidermal Cx43 turnover.

Endocytosis of IgG, Desmoglein 1, and Plakoglobin in Pemphigus Foliaceus Patient Skin.

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is one of the two main forms of pemphigus and is characterized by circulating IgG to the desmosomal cadherin desmoglein 1 (DSG1) and by subcorneal blistering of the skin. The pathomechanism of blister formation in PF is unknown. Previously we have shown that PF IgG induces aggregation of DSG1, plakoglobin (PG), and IgG outside of desmosomes, what in immunofluorescence of PF patient skin visualizes as a granular IgG deposition pattern with a limited number of coarse IgG aggregates between cells. Here we have investigated the fate of these aggregates in skin and found that these are cleared by endocytosis. We performed double immunofluorescence staining on snap-frozen skin biopsies of six PF patients for the following molecules: IgG, the desmosomal proteins DSG1 and DSG3, desmocollins 1 and 3, PG, desmoplakin and plakophilin 3, and for the endosomal marker early endosomal antigen 1 and the lysosomal markers cathepsin D and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1. Endosomes were present in all cells but did not make contact with the aggregates in the basal and suprabasal layers. In the higher layers they moored to the aggregates, often symmetrically from two adjacent cells, and IgG, DSG1, and PG were taken up. Finally these endosomes became localized perinuclear. Endocytosis was only observed in perilesional or lesional skin but not in non-lesional skin. Older immunoelectron microscopic studies have suggested that in PF skin endocytosis of detached desmosomes takes place but we found no other desmosomal proteins to be present in these endosomes. Double staining with cathepsin D and LAMP-1 revealed no overlap with IgG, DSG1, or PG suggesting that lysosomes have no role in the clearing process. Collectively, our results show that endocytosis is part of the pathogenic process in PF but that no detached desmosomes are taken up but instead the deposited IgG is taken up together with DSG1 and PG.

Influence of Vitamin D on Corneal Epithelial Cell Desmosomes and Hemidesmosomes.

Purpose: We have observed noticably weak epithelial attachment in vitamin D receptor knockout mice (VDR KO) undergoing epithelial debridement. We hypothesized that VDR KO negatively affects corneal epithelial cell desmosomes and/or hemidesmosomes. Methods: Transcript levels of desmosome and hemidesmosome proteins in VDR KO corneas were assessed by qPCR. Western blotting and immunochemistry were used to detect proteins in cultured cells exposed to 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24R,25(OH)2D3. Results: VDR KO resulted in decreased corneal desmosomal desmoglein 1 (DSG1) and desmocollin 2 (DSC2) mRNA, and hemidesmosomal plectin mRNA. DSG1 and plectin protein expression were reduced in VDR KO corneas. DSG1 protein expression increased in VDR wild types (VDR WT) and VDR KO mouse primary epithelial cells (MPCEC) treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24R,25(OH)2D3. 24R,25(OH)2D3 treatment resulted in increased plectin and integrin ß4 levels in VDR WT MPCEC, and decreased levels in VDR KO MPCEC. Treatment of human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) with 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24R,25(OH)2D3 resulted in increased DSC2 and DSG1 protein expression. Plectin and integrin ß4 were only increased in 24R,25(OH)2D3 treated HCEC. Conclusions: VDR KO results in reduced desmosomal and hemidesmosomal mRNA and protein levels. 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24R,25(OH)2D3 increased DSG1 protein in all cells tested. For hemidesmosome proteins, 24R,25(OH)2D3 increased plectin and integrin ß4 protein expression in VDR WT and HCEC, with decreased expression in VDR KO MPCEC. Thus, vitamin D3 is involved in desmosome and hemidesmosome junction formation/regulation, and their decreased expression likely contributes to the loosely adherent corneal epithelium in VDR KO mice. Our data indicate the presence of a VDR-independent pathway.