Jutamas Uttagomol, DDS, MDSc, PhD
Contact: jutamasu@nu.ac.th
Research interests: Cell-cell junction in health and disease; Desmoglein-3, Hippo pathway; Yes-associated protein (YAP)

Description of current research

My work focuses on cell-cell junction proteins, Desmoglein-3 (Dsg3) in particular. The desmosomal core adhesion protein Dsg3 is predominantly expressed in the oral mucous membrane and the basal layer of the epidermis. Dsg3 is best known as Pemphigus vulgaris antigen causing blisters due to loss of keratinocyte cell-cell adhesion. Apart from its function in desmosome cell-cell junction, currently, Dsg3 is identified to act as an anti-stress protein via regulating the mechanosensory YAP and tumor suppressor p53 which may be involved in the cell fate decision. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is the downstream effector of the Hippo pathway, responding to structural and mechanical cues. The mechanosensing and mechanotransduction role of Dsg3 in response to mechanical forces has an impact on YAP phosphorylation and subcellular translocation. My goal is to further investigate the underlying molecular basis in order to better understand the pathogenesis mechanism of the diseases related to Dsg3 and convey the findings to improve the treatment of associated diseases.