What gene is associated with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy?

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) is a group of inherited conditions that primarily affect the muscles around the pelvis and shoulders. The gene associated with this condition plays a crucial role in muscle structure and function.

The correct answer is laminin, which is a key component of the extracellular matrix and critical for muscle cell adhesion and overall structural integrity. Laminins are proteins that help in the formation and stabilization of the muscle fiber structure. Mutations in the genes encoding different types of laminin can disrupt normal muscle development and maintenance, leading to the muscle weakness characteristic of LGMD.

While dystrophin, sarcoglycans, and myogenin are all important in the context of muscle health and function, they are primarily associated with other specific types of muscular dystrophies. Dystrophin is notably linked with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, sarcoglycans are involved in alpha-sarcoglycan muscular dystrophy, and myogenin plays a role in muscle differentiation but is not specifically associated with LGMD. Therefore, understanding the function of laminin highlights its direct relevance to Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.