The role of dystrophin isoforms and interactors in the brain

Dystrophin is a protein crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of skeletal muscle. So far, attention has been focused on the role of dystrophin in muscle, in view of the devastating progression of weakness and early death that characterizes Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, in the last few years, the role of shorter dystrophin isoforms, including development and adult expression-specific mechanisms, has been a greater focus. Within the cerebral landscape, various cell types, such as glia, oligodendrocytes and Purkinje, cerebellar granule and vascular-associated cells express a spectrum of dystrophin isoforms, including Dp427, Dp140, Dp71 and Dp40. The interaction of these isoforms with a multitude of proteins suggests their involvement in neurotransmission, influencing several circuit functions. This review presents the intricate interactions among dystrophin isoforms and diverse protein complexes across different cell types and brain regions, as well as the associated clinical complications. We focus on studies investigating protein interactions with dystrophin in the past 30 years at a biochemical level. In essence, the brain's dystrophin landscape is a thrilling exploration of diversity, challenging preconceptions and opening new avenues for understanding CNS physiology. It also holds potential therapeutic implications for neurological complications involving brain dystrophin deficiency. By revealing the molecular complexities related to dystrophin, this review paves the way for future investigations and therapeutic interventions for this CNS aspect of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.