This gene shares both structural and functional similarities with the dystrophin gene. It contains an actin-binding N-terminus, a triple coiled-coil repeat central region, and a C-terminus that consists of protein-protein interaction motifs which interact with dystroglycan protein components. The protein encoded by this gene is located at the neuromuscular synapse and myotendinous junctions, where it participates in post-synaptic membrane maintenance and acetylcholine receptor clustering. Mouse studies suggest that this gene may serve as a functional substitute for the dystrophin gene and therefore, may serve as a potential therapeutic alternative to muscular dystrophy which is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Alternative splicing of the utrophin gene has been described, however, the full-length nature of these variants has not yet been determined. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],function:May play a role in anchoring the cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane.,online information:Utrophin entry,similarity:Contains 1 WW domain.,similarity:Contains 1 ZZ-type zinc finger.,similarity:Contains 2 CH (calponin-homology) domains.,similarity:Contains 20 spectrin repeats.,subcellular location:Neuromuscular junction.,subunit:Interacts with the syntrophins SNTA1, SNTB1 and SNTB2. Interacts with SYNM.,tissue specificity:Muscle.,
