Dystrophin

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Dystrophin

Dystrophin (/dɪˈstrɒfɪn/) is a protein that plays a crucial role in muscle function and stability. It is primarily associated with the muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles) and the heart (cardiac muscle).

Etymology

The term "Dystrophin" is derived from the Greek words "dys", which means "difficult" or "faulty", and "trophin", which means "nourishment". This is in reference to the protein's role in nourishing and maintaining the health of muscle cells.

Function

Dystrophin is part of a group of proteins that work together to strengthen muscle fibers and protect them from injury as muscles contract and relax. These proteins are located at the cell membrane and help connect the internal structure of muscle fibers to the surrounding extracellular matrix.

Related Terms

  • Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A severe type of muscular dystrophy that is caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene.
  • Becker muscular dystrophy: A milder form of muscular dystrophy, also caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene.
  • Dystrophinopathies: A group of diseases caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene.
  • Gene therapy: A type of treatment that may be used to correct the genetic mutations that cause diseases like Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.

See Also

External links

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