Plakoglobin

Plakoglobin (also known as γ-catenin) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the JUP gene. It is a member of the catenin protein family and plays an essential role in cell adhesion and signal transduction pathways.

Function

Plakoglobin is a major cytoplasmic component of desmosomes and adherens junctions, which are multi-protein complexes involved in cell-cell adhesion. It links cadherin receptors to the cytoskeleton and coordinates changes in cell shape and movement. In the heart, plakoglobin is a key component of the intercalated disc, a specialized cell-cell junction that connects cardiomyocytes.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the JUP gene can lead to Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive replacement of the myocardium with fibro-fatty tissue. This can lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death, especially in young athletes.

Research

Research into plakoglobin has increased our understanding of cell adhesion mechanisms, and has potential implications for the development of new treatments for heart disease and cancer. For example, studies have shown that plakoglobin can suppress tumor growth by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling, a pathway often activated in cancer.

See also

• Catenin
• Desmosome
• Adherens junction
• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy