DSC2 (Desmocollin [Greek for "glue that binds"] 2; also epithelial type 2 desmocollin) is a 100-120kD member of the Ca++dependent cadherin family of adhesion molecules. It is found on the surface of both simple and stratified epithelium that form desmosomes. DSC2 expression is induced by DSG2 where it serves as a component of desmosomes, forming a linkage that unites adjacent cells with cytoplasmic intermediate filaments. Homodimeric DSC2 forms intrans, and DSC 2 may also form heterotypic interactions with DSG2. A DSC2: DSG2 cis-interaction is suggested to block DSG2 activation of Akt, an action that results in B-catenin mediated cell proliferation. Mature mouse DSC2 is a 767aa type I transmembrane glycoprotein (aa136-902). The mature molecule contains a 559aa extracellular region (aa136-694) with 5 cadherin domains (aa136-694) and a 187aa cytoplasmic tail (aa716-902). There is one 100-110kD splice variant that shows an 11aa substitution for aa838-902. Over aa136-694, mouse DSC2 shares 87% and 79% aa sequence identity with rat and human DSC2, respectively.