Maintenance of muscle mass, fiber size, and contractile function in mice lacking the Z-disc protein myotilin

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Background. Myofibrillar myopathies constitute a rare group of congenital neuromuscular disorders, frequently associated with mutations in Z-disc proteins such as myotilin. Myotilin location and interactions with other Z-disc proteins are clearly defined, but its role in the regulation of muscle structure and function remains unknown. The present study aims at investigating this specific role of myotilin. Methods. Skeletal and cardiac muscles were collected from adult mice with a targeted deletion of myotilin (myo-/-) and wild-type animals (myo/). Results and conclusion. Similar skeletal and cardiac muscle weights were observed in myo-/- and myo / mice. At the muscle cell level, the size and force production of single membrane permeabilized fibers were identical between myo-/- and myo/ rodents. Thus, myotilin does not have a significant influence on muscle mass, muscle fiber size, or regulation of muscle contraction. Alternatively, compensatory over-expressions of other elements including proteins from the same subfamily, or Z-disc proteins such as telethonin, or intermediate filaments may compensate for the lack of myotilin.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
BogserieUpsala Journal of Medical Sciences
Vol/bind114
Udgave nummer4
Sider (fra-til)235-241
Antal sider7
ISSN0300-9734
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2009

ID: 245665197