Desmosomes: the tiny cell 'glue' that keeps skin and heart cells together
Nanoscale structure and function of desmosomes
This research looks at how microscopic 'glue' between skin and heart cells is organized and how that affects people with inherited blistering skin, hair, or heart conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261724 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are using advanced super-resolution microscopes to map how individual proteins are arranged inside desmosomes, the structures that hold skin cells together. They will compare the protein architecture in healthy tissue and in models of inherited desmosomal diseases to see how changes in organization weaken adhesion. The team uses two complementary imaging approaches developed by the lab to measure nanoscale ordering of desmoplakin and cadherins and links those patterns to mechanical stability. Understanding these structure–function links may point to biomarkers or molecular targets that could guide future therapies for people with erosive skin, mucosal, hair, or heart problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited desmosomal disorders—those who have blistering skin or mucosal disease, certain hair abnormalities, or related cardiomyopathy—would be most directly relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with skin or heart conditions caused by unrelated mechanisms (for example, disorders not involving desmosomal proteins) may not receive direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain why desmosomal defects cause blistering and heart issues and identify molecular targets for future diagnostics or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Super-resolution microscopy has revealed nanoscale organization in other cell junctions, but applying these complementary imaging methods specifically to desmosomes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mattheyses, Alexa Lynn — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Mattheyses, Alexa Lynn
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.