Means and methods for altering the functional properties in eukaryotic cells

摘要

The present invention relates to the characterization of a novel, human catenin-like protein, denominated as plakophilin-3, which is present in desmosomes and nuclei of epithelial cells. The nucleic acids encoding said protein, the protein itself and antibodies against said protein can be used to diagnose and/or treat diseases, in particular skin diseases and wounds. Also the promoter sequence regulating plakophilin-3 gene expression and methods to modulate the regulatory function of said promoter are disclosed.