143 Structure of a novel endoplasmic reticulum-desmosome complex and its role in skin disease

Abstract

Desmosomes are adhesive intercellular junctions that provide strength and integrity to the epidermis and other epithelia. Dysfunction of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident calcium pump, SERCA2, causes Darier’s disease (DD), an epidermal disorder characterized by compromised desmosomal adhesion and abnormal keratinocyte differentiation. However, the mechanism by which ER dysfunction impairs desmosome formation is unclear. Using electron microscopy and live-cell fluorescence imaging, we found that peripheral ER tubules are in close proximity to desmosomes and form mirror image arrangements at desmosomes.