Stabilisation of keratinocyte adhesion in pemphigus (B04)

• Subject Area: Anatomy and Physiology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 547068789

B04 will characterize the composition of desmosomes in desmoglein (Dsg)1- and Dsg3-deficient, as well as Pg-S665 phosphodeficient mice, with respect to desmosome and TJ ultrastructure using STED microscopy and TEM. The phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor apremilast, the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib, and the Dsg-specific tandem peptide will be used to stabilize keratinocyte adhesion and improve epidermal barrier function. Using multiplex kinome analysis, we will investigate the autoantibody-induced signaling response in detail and verify signaling pathways.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 425: Desmosomal dysfunction in epithelial barriers (DEFINE)
• Applicant Institution: Philipps-Universität Marburg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Jens Waschke