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Abstract
beta-dystroglycan (DG) and the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) are localized
at costameres and neuromuscular junctions in the sarcolemma of skeletal muscle. We
present evidence for an ankyrin-based mechanism for sarcolemmal localization of dystrophin
and beta-DG. Dystrophin binds ankyrin-B and ankyrin-G, while beta-DG binds ankyrin-G.
Dystrophin and beta-DG require ankyrin-G for retention at costameres but not delivery
to the sarcolemma. Dystrophin and beta-DG remain intracellular in ankyrin-B-depleted
muscle, where beta-DG accumulates in a juxta-TGN compartment. The neuromuscular junction
requires ankyrin-B for localization of dystrophin/utrophin and beta-DG and for maintenance
of its postnatal morphology. A Becker muscular dystrophy mutation reduces ankyrin
binding and impairs sarcolemmal localization of dystrophin-Dp71. Ankyrin-B also binds
to dynactin-4, a dynactin subunit. Dynactin-4 and a subset of microtubules disappear
from sarcolemmal sites in ankyrin-B-depleted muscle. Ankyrin-B thus is an adaptor
required for sarcolemmal localization of dystrophin, as well as dynactin-4.