SGCA

(redirected from alpha-sarcoglycan)

SGCA

A gene on chromosome 17q21 that encodes a component of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, which is thought to be restricted to striated muscle. It stabilises muscle cell membranes and links the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix.

Molecular pathology
SGCA mutations result in type 2D autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.

References in periodicals archive ?

LGMD2D is a severe, debilitating condition caused by a defect in the gene that produces the alpha-sarcoglycan protein.

Experimental gene therapy treatment aims to deliver alpha-sarcoglycan genes to permanently restore protein expression, which could significantly improve symptoms and functional ability for patients.

Early clinical studies of MYO-102 have demonstrated safety and expression of alpha-sarcoglycan protein using the gene therapy candidate.

Myonexus Therapeutics Receives Orphan Drug Designation for MYO-102, an Investigational Gene Therapy for Alpha-sarcoglycanopathy (LGMD2D)

"We have had success in the clinic using AAV gene therapy with limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2D, which is caused by mutations in the alpha-sarcoglycan gene," Louise Rodino-Klapac, PhD, principal investigator in the Center for Gene Therapy at The Research Institute of Nationwide Children's Hospital, said.

"However, the dysferlin gene is very large, about six times larger than the alpha-sarcoglycan gene and can't fit into a traditional AAV vector."

New gene transfer strategy shows promise to treat muscular dystrophies

Injections of the alphasarcoglycan gene in the foot muscles of three patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2D produced 4-5 times the amount of the alpha-sarcoglycan protein, compared with saline injections.

A new era for treatment of muscular dystrophy

For example, one form may be called alpha-sarcoglycan deficiency and another is known as beta-sarcoglycan deficiency.

Facts About Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD)

The researchers point out that limb-girdle muscular dystrophy actually describes more than 19 disorders that occur because patients have a faulty alpha-sarcoglycan gene.