DSG3 (Desmoglein 3) is a calcium-binding transmembrane glycoprotein component of desmosomes, conferring strong cell-cell adhesion. Desmosomes are button-like points of intercellular contact that allow the attachment of cytoskeletal elements to the plasma membrane at sites of cell-cell adhesion. DSG3 is expressed in basal and immediate suprabasal layers of skin. To maintain cell-cell adhesion DSG3 interacts with other desmosomal proteins, such as plakoglobin. Plakoglobin is closely related to Beta-catenin, which is a well-known downstream effector molecule in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.DSG3 also promotes cancer cell growth and invasion through a plakoglobin-mediated signaling pathway.