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Developmental regulation of biglycan expression in muscle and tendon
Author(s) -
Lechner Beatrice E.,
Lim Jae H.,
Mercado Mary Lynn,
Fallon Justin R.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.20596
Subject(s) - biglycan , dystrophin , tendon , biology , connective tissue , anatomy , muscular dystrophy , microbiology and biotechnology , pathology , decorin , extracellular matrix , skeletal muscle , medicine , proteoglycan , genetics
Biglycan is an extracellular ligand for the dystrophin‐associated protein complex (DAPC) that is upregulated in both dystrophic and regenerating muscle. Biglycan also binds to collagen VI, mutations of which cause a congenital muscular dystrophy (Ullrich's; UCMD) that is also characterized by connective tissue abnormalities. The expression of biglycan in early development and postnatal ages has not been well characterized. Here we show that biglycan transcript levels peak at ∼21 weeks' gestation in human fetal muscle. Immunocytochemical analysis of developing mouse muscle shows that biglycan can be detected in muscle as early as embryonic day (E)16 and is most abundant between postnatal day (P)1 and P7. Biglycan is also highly expressed in developing tendon, with maximal levels observed at E16–18. This robust tendon expression is correlated with a sharp peak in biglycan transcript levels in the hindlimb. Finally, at E18 collagen VI colocalizes with biglycan in tendon. These results suggest that biglycan has a particularly important function during muscle and connective tissue development. Moreover, biglycan may play a role in the pathogenesis of collagen VI–associated congenital muscular dystrophies. Muscle Nerve, 2006