DSG2-peptide platform

Desmoglein 2 (DSG2) is a cell surface transmembrane protein with cell adhesion functions, located in the desmosomes, which are adhesive structures at cell-cell contact areas. It utilizes its structural characteristics to adhere adjacent cells together.

 

Research has shown that DSG2 plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis, with elevated levels of DSG2 protein expression observed in epithelial cancer tissues, including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, and esophageal cancer. Literature indicates that DSG2 can be cleaved by Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or A Disintegrin and Metalloproteases (ADAMs), leading to the release of certain protein fragments. These liberated DSG2 protein fragments can bind to receptors on the cell membrane, initiating intracellular signaling pathways that ultimately promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Based on the characteristics of DSG2 protein fragments affecting cellular functions, our company has established a DSG2 peptide database. Through modification using the innovative peptide drug platform (ASP), we have obtained a series of DSG2 peptide drugs with significant development potential. Cellular experiments have shown that this series of DSG2 peptides can influence functions such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and vasculogenic mimicry. In the future, these peptides could be applied in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), pulmonary fibrosis, or malignant brain cancer.