Transgenic expression of {alpha}7{beta}1 integrin maintains muscle integrity, increases regenerative capacity, promotes hypertrophy, and reduces cardiomyopathy in dystrophic mice.

ABSTRACT: We previously reported that enhanced expression of the alpha7beta1 integrin ameliorates the development of muscular dystrophy and extends longevity in alpha7BX2-mdx/utr(-/-) transgenic mice (Burkin DJ, Wallace GQ, Nicol KJ, Kaufman DJ, Kaufman SJ: Enhanced expression of the alpha7beta1 integrin reduces muscular dystrophy and restores viability in dystrophic mice. We now report on the mechanism by which these mice were rescued by the integrin. As a result of increased integrin in alpha7BX2-mdx/utr(-/-) mice the structural integrity of the myotendinous and neuromuscular junctions are maintained. A twofold increase in satellite cells in alpha7BX2-mdx/utr(-/-) skeletal muscle was detected by immunofluorescence using the satellite cell marker c-met. These cells enhanced the regenerative capacit

SUBMITTER: Burkin DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1602287 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature