The dystroglycan complex is involved in a number of processes including laminin and basement membrane assembly, sarcolemmal stability, cell survival, peripheral nerve myelination, nodal structure, cell migration, and epithelial polarization.
Extracellular peripheral glycoprotein that acts as a receptor for extracellular matrix proteins containing laminin-G domains. Receptor for laminin-2 (LAMA2) and agrin in peripheral nerve Schwann cells. Also acts as a receptor for laminin LAMA5 (By similarity).
Transmembrane protein that plays important roles in connecting the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton. Acts as a cell adhesion receptor in both muscle and non-muscle tissues. Receptor for both DMD and UTRN and, through these interactions, scaffolds axin to the cytoskeleton. Also functions in cell adhesion-mediated signaling and implicated in cell polarity.
(Microbial infection) Acts as a receptor for lassa virus and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus glycoprotein and class C new-world arenaviruses ( ). Acts as a Schwann cell receptor for Mycobacterium leprae, the causative organism of leprosy, but only in the presence of the G-domain of LAMA2 .
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Extracellular space
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane, Cytoplasm, Cytoskeleton, Nucleus, Nucleoplasm, Cell membrane, Sarcolemma, Postsynaptic cell membrane
The monomeric form translocates to the nucleus via the action of importins and depends on RAN. Nuclear transport is inhibited by Tyr-892 phosphorylation. In skeletal muscle, this phosphorylated form locates to a vesicular internal membrane compartment. In muscle cells, sarcolemma localization requires the presence of ANK2, while localization to costameres requires the presence of ANK3. Localizes to neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in the presence of ANK2 (By similarity). In peripheral nerves, localizes to the Schwann cell membrane. Colocalizes with ERM proteins in Schwann-cell microvilli.
Expressed in a variety of fetal and adult tissues. In epidermal tissue, located to the basement membrane. Also expressed in keratinocytes and fibroblasts.