Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against the proregion of human desmoglein-2

Cadherins are synthesized with a signal sequence and a proregion that must be removed for optimal adhesive activity. Mutations that prevent processing of cadherins have been implicated in a number of human diseases; thus understanding their processing is critical. In this study, we produced and characterized a number of monoclonal antibodies against the proregion of the desmosomal cadherin, human desmoglein-2, that will facilitate investigations into the processing of this protein.