A dystrophin-associated protein is a protein that helps to form the connection between intracellular dystrophin and the extracellular basal lamina. Examples include sarcoglycan and dystroglycan. Dystrophin-associated proteins contribute to mechanical stabilization of the muscle-cell membrane during contraction, and loss of these proteins may increase plasma membrane fragility. Because of its role in muscle-cell stability, the dystrophin-associated protein complex has been studied using mass spectrometry to identify protein interactors, analyze post-translational glycan modifications of α-dystroglycan, and measure dystrophin levels in healthy and dystrophic skeletal muscle.
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