Through a NIAMS-funded grant, Dr. Lechler has been investigating the assembly and function of desmosomes, cell-cell adhesion structures that provide mechanical strength to the skin. Dr. Lechler and his team have identified a number of new desmosome-associated proteins and characterized their functions. The STAR award will allow Dr. Lechler to generate mouse models to further explore the functions of novel desmosomal proteins in the skin in vivo, and to investigate the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris, an autoimmune disease in which autoantibodies bind to and disrupt desmosomes.