Alpha-dystroglycan as a Protein Therapeutic

摘要

Disclosed is alpha-dystroglycan protein (alpha-DG) in glycosylated and functional form. The disclosed alpha-DG binds to the basal lamina and to the sarcolemma of muscle fibers and may be injected into muscle and incorporated into muscle fibers in order to restore membrane integrity where the muscle fibers comprise a dysfunctional alpha-DG protein. Alpha-DG as disclosed herein may be utilized in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating diseases and disorders associated with or characterized by a dysfunctional alpha-DG, such as muscular dystrophy.