The human gene (DSG2) coding for HDGC, a second member of the desmoglein subfamily of the desmosomal cadherins, is, like DSG1 coding for desmoglein DGI, assigned to chromosome 18.

Desmoglein is a transmembrane glycoprotein of the cadherin superfamily present in the desmosomal junction in vertebrate epithelial cells. At least two variants of desmoglein are differentially expressed in human tissues: DGI, a characteristic desmosomal protein; and HDGC, which is, for example, expressed in the simple epithelium of the colon. Using a PCR assay, we were able to assign DSG2, the gene coding for desmoglein HDGC, to chromosome 18, the same chromosomal localization to which we have previously assigned DSG1 coding for desmoglein DGI.