Desmosomal protein structure and function and the impact of disease-causing mutations

In this graphical review we focus on the structural characteristics of desmosomal proteins, their interactions with each other and with the intermediate filament cytoskeleton. The wealth of structural information that is now available allows predictions to be made about the pathogenic effect of disease-causing mutations. We have selected representative examples of missense mutations that are buried, semi-buried or surface exposed, and demonstrate how such variants could affect the structural fold of desmosomal proteins that are expressed in the heart. We explain how such alterations could compromise desmosomal adhesion, resulting in life threatening diseases including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the structural characteristics of desmosomal proteins, their interactions with each other and the intermediate filament cytoskeleton. By examining representative examples of missense mutations, the authors demonstrate how such variants could affect the structural fold of desmosomal proteins expressed in the heart, potentially compromising desmosomal adhesion and leading to life-threatening diseases like arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.