SGCA

Alpha-sarcoglycan is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SGCA gene.

Function
The dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) comprises a group of proteins that are critical to the stability of muscle fiber membranes and to the linking of the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. Components of the DGC include dystrophin (MIM 300377), which is deficient in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD; MIM 310200); syntrophins (e.g., MIM 600026); dystroglycans (MIM 128239); and sarcoglycans, such as adhalin, a 50-kD transmembrane protein (Roberds et al., 1993).[supplied by OMIM].

Clinical significance
Mutations in the SGCA gene are known to cause Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, autosomal recessive 3 (LGMDR3). This condition causes progressive muscle wasting from early childhood leading to loss of independent mobility as a teenager.

Interactions
SGCA has been shown to interact with Biglycan.