DYSF

What is DYSF protein?

DYSF gene (dysferlin) is a protein coding gene which situated on the short arm of chromosome 2 at locus 2p13. The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the ferlin family and is a skeletal muscle protein found associated with the sarcolemma. It is involved in muscle contraction and contains C2 domains that play a role in calcium-mediated membrane fusion events, suggesting that it may be involved in membrane regeneration and repair. In addition, the protein encoded by this gene binds caveolin-3, a skeletal muscle membrane protein which is important in the formation of caveolae. Specific mutations in this gene have been shown to cause autosomal recessive limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B) as well as Miyoshi myopathy. The DYSF protein is consisted of 2080 amino acids and DYSF molecular weight is approximately 237.3 kDa.

What is the function of DYSF protein?

Its primary function is thought to be aiding in the repair of the sarcolemma when it becomes damaged due to muscle strain. Dysferlin may also be involved in the formation of new muscle fibers (regeneration) and in inflammation, although these functions are less well understood. The protein is a part of the ferlin family and contains C2 domains that are implicated in calcium-mediated membrane processes. Loss-of-function or missense variants in the DYSF gene can lead to dysferlinopathies, which are muscular dystrophies characterized by muscle weakness and wasting, particularly affecting the shoulders, hips, thighs, and upper arms.

DYSF Related Signaling Pathway

Studies have shown that miR-92a-1-5p regulates BeWo cell fusion and hCG secretion by regulating the protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway and dysferlin expression. DYSF, as a cytoskeletal protein, is closely related to muscle contraction and relaxation in muscle cells. It maintains the integrity of muscle cell membranes and participates in signal transduction processes through interactions with other proteins and molecules. DYSF interacts with a variety of proteins and molecules that work together to regulate the physiological activity of muscle cells, although the specific signaling pathways have not been elucidated in detail.

Fig1. The role of dysferlin in membrane repair in a calcium-dependent manner. (Bal Hari Poudel, 2024)

DYSF Related Diseases

The DYSF protein is associated with several hereditary myopathies, primarily including limb band muscular dystrophy 2B (LGMD2B), Miyoshi distal muscular dystrophy, and other myopathies associated with muscle cell membrane repair. These diseases are usually caused by mutations in DYSF genes, resulting in loss or abnormality of DYSF protein function, which in turn causes damage to muscle cell membranes and degeneration or necrosis of muscle cells. The loss or dysfunction of the DYSF protein affects the normal physiological function of muscle cells, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness and muscle atrophy.

Bioapplications of DYSF

The application of DYSF protein is mainly concentrated in the field of medical research and clinical diagnosis. In terms of research, DYSF protein is a key factor in a variety of hereditary myopathies, and the study of its function and mechanism of action contributes to a deep understanding of the pathological process of these diseases. In addition, the expression and activity of DYSF protein can be used as an important index to study the repair and regeneration process of muscle cell membrane. Clinically, detection of DYSF proteins, such as by immunohistochemistry or western blotting techniques, can help identify and diagnose myopathies associated with DYSF gene mutations, such as limb band muscular dystrophy 2B and Miyoshi distal muscular dystrophy. These tests are important for early diagnosis of the disease, genetic counseling and the development of treatment strategies.