Determining the role of sarcomeric proteins in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: A study protocol

Saskia Lassche, Coen A.C. Ottenheijm, Nicol C. Voermans, Henk Jan Westeneng, Barbara H. Janssen, Silvère M. van der Maarel, Maria T. Hopman, George W. Padberg, Ger J.M. Stienen, Baziel G.M. van Engelen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Although muscle weakness is a hallmark of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), the molecular mechanisms that lead to weakness in FSHD remain largely unknown. Recent studies suggest aberrant expression of genes involved in skeletal muscle development and sarcomere contractility, and activation of pathways involved in sarcomeric protein degradation. This study will investigate the contribution of sarcomeric protein dysfunction to the pathogenesis of muscle weakness in FSHD.Methods/Design: Evaluation of sarcomeric function using skinned single muscle fiber contractile studies and protein analysis in muscle biopsies (quadriceps femoris and tibialis anterior) from patients with FSHD and age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Patients with other forms of muscular dystrophy and inflammatory myopathy will be included as disease controls to assess whether results are due to changes specific for FSHD, or a consequence of muscle disease in general. A total of 56 participants will be included. Extensive clinical parameters will be measured using MRI, quantitative muscle studies and physical activity assessments.Discussion: This study is the first to extensively investigate muscle fiber physiology in FSHD following an earlier pilot study suggesting sarcomeric dysfunction in FSHD. The results obtained in this study will increase the understanding of the pathophysiology of muscle weakness in FSHD, and possibly identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number144
JournalBMC Neurology
Volume13
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 11 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
  • Myofilament
  • Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy
  • Sarcomere
  • Skeletal muscle
  • Sporadic inclusion body myositis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology

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