Investigating a role for dystrophin protein Dp71 in cell migration

This project was a summer vacation studentship. The aim was to provide an undergraduate student with real-life research experience and increase their laboratory skills. The student undertook a project examining the roles of individual dystrophin protein(s) in in neuronal cell migration.

Intelligence of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is lower than the general population. Cognitive impairment, epilepsy, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are prevalent. Evidence links these symptoms to the loss of a protein called dystrophin in the brain; yet brain involvement in DMD has been ignored. The most common type of dystrophin protein in the brain is called Dp71 and it has previously been linked to cognitive impairment. The function(s) of Dp71 and how its absence leads to cognitive and behavioural symptoms are not understood. This project addresses this gap in knowledge by investigating a role for Dp71 in cell migration.

We found a difference in cell migration in cells overexpressing Dp71 that we are now investigating further with a new spheroid assay developed during this project.