Desmoglein 1 is a member of the desmosomal cadherin family that comprise the desmogleins and desmocollins. Desmosomes are cell-cell junctions in most epithelial cells and serve to link the intermediate filament cytoskeletons of adjacent cells. Within the desmosome the extracellular domain of desmoglein is essential for calcium dependent heterophilic binding to the desmocollins, whereas the intracellular domain is essential for binding to the desmosomal plaque protein, plakoglobin. Desmoglein 1 is synthesized exclusively in the suprabasal layers. Intact and functionally active desmoglein 1 is essential to epidermal integrity.Synonyms: CDHF4, Cadherin family member 4, DG1, DGI, DSG1, Desmosomal glycoprotein 1, Pemphigus foliaceus antigen