Abstract Desmosomes are specialized adhesive junctions that link adjacent cells and provide structural integrity in tissues exposed to significant mechanical stress, such as the skin and heart. Disruption of the desmosome adhesion complex is observed in a range of different cutaneous syndromes and during tumor progression. Dysregulation of desmosomal proteins has been associated with enhanced cancer motility, invasion and metastatic potential. Diverse mechanisms for the disruption of desmosome d