Apo-dystrophin: localization and expression of Dp116, Dp70, and Dp40 during embryogenesis

Ivanov, Chavdar (2020). Apo-dystrophin: localization and expression of Dp116, Dp70, and Dp40 during embryogenesis. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

Dystrophin and its apo-forms are structural proteins which connect intracellular actin scaffolding in a cell with intercellular space. They are the main factor in guarding and keeping the sarcolemma intact after significant stress. Actin connects to dystrophin and forms a multistage complex, the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC), with laminin 2 in the extracellular space. Muscular dystrophy is a hereditary disorder caused by progressive skeletal weakness based on defects in the sarcolemma, leading to cell death and inability to recover after simple physical activity. Despite recent advances in understanding the causes of muscular dystrophy, investigators still do not have a clear understanding of how DAPC contributes to disease development. Using immunohistochemistry and western blotting, this study attempts to increase understanding on how apo-dystrophin is expressed at various stages of embryogenesis. The results find programmed expressions of different types of apo-dystrophin at different stages of embryonic development of skeletal and cardiac muscle in a variety of mutants. Further research is needed to discover how different levels of apo-dystrophin are expressed and the effect their positions have on the future development of the various forms of muscular dystrophy.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):