Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies
Published on: October 25, 2018
[Myasthenia gravis induced by autoantibodies against MuSK]
Kazuhiro Shigemoto1, Tetsuro Konishi, Mitsuhiro Ohta
1Research Team for Molecular Biomarkers, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology.
Abstract:
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is caused by the failure of neuromuscular transmission mediated by autoantibodies. That is, the binding of autoantibodies to postsynaptic membranes in neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) results in weakening of the ocular, bulbar and limb muscles and produces the characteristic syndrome of MG. About 80 to 85% of patients witth MG have autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptors (AChR). Antibodies against muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) have been found in 30% of MG patients without AChR antibodies. Here we describe recent progress toward understanding the pathogenic role of MuSK antibodies in the decline of muscle strength that typifies MG.
Related Concept Videos
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Chemical Synapses
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Chemical Synapses
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...