Human pathology

Home page > A. Molecular pathology > dystrophin

dystrophin

Image Gallery

Dystrophin
Mutations in the dystrophin gene result in both Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD), as well as X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy.

Function

- The dystrophin complex has two functions: a structural role in maintaining sarcolemmal integrity during contraction and a scaffolding function that recruits signaling proteins such as neuronal nitric oxide synthase to the membrane.

Gene

- this large gene consists of 79 exons and 8 promoters spread over 2.2 million base pairs of genomic DNA.

Features

- dystrophin-glycoprotein complex

Pathology

- mutations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)
- mutations in Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) (deletions of one or more exons account for 55%-65% of cases of DMD and BMD)

- mutations in X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy