Atomic force microscopy identifies regions of distinct desmoglein 3 adhesive properties on living keratinocytes

Atomic force microscopy-based detection of specific desmoglein 3 adhesion molecules on living keratinocytes demonstrates their distribution and differences in binding properties at areas of cell borders and onto the cell surface. The data provide evidence for the occurrence of Dsg3 molecules outside of desmosomes in the cell membrane. Furthermore Dsg3 adhesion forces were higher at cell borders compared to the cell surface. Thus, Dsg3 adhesive properties are not uniform but differ depending on the localization.165