Muscle cell differentiation and development pathway defects in Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy

Storey, EC; Holt, I; Morris, GE; Fuller, H

doi:10.1016/j.nmd.2020.04.002

Muscle cell differentiation and development pathway defects in Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy

Storey, EC; Holt, I; Morris, GE; Fuller, H

Authors

EC Storey

I Holt

GE Morris

Heidi Fuller h.r.fuller@keele.ac.uk

Abstract

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by the early development of muscle contractures, progressive muscle weakness, and heart abnormalities. The latter may result in serious complications, or in severe cases, sudden death. Currently, there are very few effective treatment options available for EDMD and so there is a high clinical need for new therapies. Various genetic mutations have been identified in the development and causation of EDMD, each encoding proteins that are components of the Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, which spans the nuclear envelope and serves to connect the nuclear lamina to the cytoskeleton. Within this review, we examine how mutations in the genes encoding these proteins, including lamins A/C, emerin, nesprins 1/2, FHL1, and SUN1/2 lead to muscle cell differentiation and development pathway defects. Further work to identify conserved molecular pathways downstream of these defective proteins may reveal potential targets for therapy design.

Acceptance Date	Apr 15, 2020
Publication Date	Jun 1, 2020
Journal	Neuromuscular Disorders
Print ISSN	0960-8966
Publisher	Elsevier
Pages	443-456
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nmd.2020.04.002
Keywords	Emery-Drelfuss Muscular Dystrophy, LINC Complex, Emerin, Lamin A/C, Nesprin, Differentataion
Publisher URL	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nmd.2020.04.002