Dystrophin-associated protein complex

The dystrophin-associated protein complex is a multiprotein complex that includes dystrophin and the dystrophin-associated proteins.
Structure.
The dystrophin-associated protein complex includes dystrophin. Dystrophin binds to actin of the cytoskeleton, and also to proteins in the extracellular matrix.
The dystrophin-associated protein complex also contains dystrophin-associated proteins. This includes a four subunit complex of sarcoglycans, which is fixed to dystrophin in myocytes.
In the epithelia of the kidney, dystrophin may be replaced with utrophin.
Aquaporin 4 may be connected to the dystrophin-associated protein complex.
Function.
The dystrophin-associated protein complex is important for cell structure and cell signalling.
Clinical significance.
Many forms of muscular dystrophy are associated with disorders of the dystrophin-associated protein complex.