Desmosomes are cell-cell junctions between epithelial, myocardial and certain other cell types. Desmoglein 1 is a calcium-binding transmembrane glycoprotein component of desmosomes in vertebrate epithelial cells. Currently, three desmoglein subfamily members have been identified and all are members of the cadherin cell adhesion molecule superfamily. These desmoglein gene family members are located in a cluster on chromosome 18. Desmoglein 1 has been identified as the autoantigen of the autoimmune skin blistering disease pemphigus foliaceus. Desmoglein 1 is a 165kD glycoprotein that is a core component of the desmosome cell-cell junction between epithelial cells. Desmoglein 1 is synthesized in the suprabasal layer of the skin, and is vital to epidermal integrity.Synonyms: CDHF4, Cadherin family member 4, DG1, DGI, DSG1, Desmosomal glycoprotein 1, Pemphigus foliaceus antigen