DYSTROGLYCAN IN DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE

Our understanding of the structure and function of dystroglycan, a cel l surface laminin/agrin receptor, has increased dramatically over the past two years. Structural studies, analysis of its binding partners, and targeted gene disruption have all contributed to the elucidation o f the biological role of dystroglycan in development and disease. It i s now apparent that dystroglycan plays a critical role in the pathogen esis of several muscular dystrophies and serves as a receptor for a hu man pathogen as well as being involved in early development, organ mor phogenesis, and synaptogenesis.