Figure 5.

Dsg2 is required to mediate increased intercellular adhesion in MMP-inhibited cells. SCC68 cells were transfected with GAPDH or Dsg2 siRNA. Ninety-six hours after transfection, cells were cultured overnight in DMSO, TAPI, or PKI in 0.25 mM calcium-containing medium. (A) Confluent monolayers of SCC68 cells were released using dispase. (B) Intercellular adhesion was measured by counting the number of fragments generated without applying mechanical stress. (C) Western blot analysis was performed on whole cell lysates using antibodies against Dsg2, E-cadherin, GAPDH, and tubulin. Fragmentation was observed in the TAPI-treated monolayers when Dsg2 was knocked down.