The Notch signaling pathway in skeletal muscle health and disease.

The Notch signaling pathway is a key regulator of skeletal muscle development and regeneration. Over the past decade, the discoveries of three new muscle disease genes have added a new dimension to the relationship between the Notch signaling pathway and skeletal muscle: MEGF10, POGLUT1, and JAG2. We review the clinical syndromes associated with pathogenic variants in each of these genes, known molecular and cellular functions of their protein products with a particular focus on the Notch signaling pathway, and potential novel therapeutic targets that may emerge from further investigations of these diseases. The phenotypes associated with two of these genes, POGLUT1 and JAG2, clearly fall within the realm of muscular dystrophy, whereas the third, MEGF10, is associated with a congenital myopathy/muscular dystrophy overlap syndrome classically known as early-onset myopathy, areflexia, respiratory distress, and dysphagia. JAG2 is a canonical Notch ligand, POGLUT1 glycosylates the extracellular domain of Notch receptors, and MEGF10 interacts with the intracellular domain of NOTCH1. Additional genes and their encoded proteins relevant to muscle function and disease with links to the Notch signaling pathway include TRIM32, ATP2A1 (SERCA1), JAG1, PAX7, and NOTCH2NLC. There is enormous potential to identify convergent mechanisms of skeletal muscle disease and new therapeutic targets through further investigations of the Notch signaling pathway in the context of skeletal muscle development, maintenance, and disease.

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is a rare muscular dystrophy, but is particularly important to diagnose due to frequent life-threatening cardiac complications. EDMD classically presents with muscle weakness, early contractures, cardiac conduction abnormalities and cardiomyopathy, although the presence and severity of these manifestations vary by subtype and individual. Associated genes include EMD, LMNA, SYNE1, SYNE2, FHL1, TMEM43, SUN1, SUN2, and TTN, encoding emerin, lamin A/C, nesprin-1, nesprin-2, FHL1, LUMA, SUN1, SUN2, and titin, respectively. The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database recognizes subtypes 1 through 7, which captures most but not all of the associated genes. Genetic diagnosis is essential whenever available, but traditional diagnostic tools can help steer the evaluation toward EDMD and assist with interpretation of equivocal genetic test results. Management is primarily supportive, but it is important to monitor patients closely, especially for potential cardiac complications. There is a high potential for progress in the treatment of EDMD in the coming years.

Plexiform Neurofibroma in the Axilla with Intraosseous Neurofibroma in the Humerus in Neurofibromatosis 5.

Segmental neurofibromatosis type 5 (NF5) is a rare form of NF, in which the cutaneous and/or neural changes are confined to one region of the body. It is often underdiagnosed or undetected due to the absence of symptoms. Inheritance of NF is different from other types of NF. Intraosseous neurofibromas are rare tumors which develop from nerves supplying the periosteum or nerves following the intraosseous course. Plexiform neurofibroma with associated intraosseous neurofibroma is extremely rare. We report a case of plexiform neurofibroma in the left axilla of a 17-year-old female with associated intraosseous neurofibroma in adjoining left humerus.

Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis - Clinico-Radiological dissociation - A case report with Radiological review.

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare chronic lung disease characterized by deposition of intra alveolar calcium and phosphate in bilateral lung parenchyma with predominance in lower and mid zones. Etiology and pathogenesis is not fully understood. However, mutation in SLC34A2 gene that encodes a sodium phosphate co-transporter in alveolar type-II cells resulting in formation and accumulation of microliths rich in calcium phosphate due to impaired clearance is considered the cause of disease. Patients with PAM are asymptomatic till development of hypoxemia and cor pulmonale. It remains static, while in some it progresses to pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure and cor pulmonale. We report a case of 44 year old male patient presenting with progressive shortness of breath on exertion for one year in duration with dry cough, more since last six months. Chest radiograph showed dense micronodular opacities giving classical sandstorm appearance. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showed microcalcification, subpleural cystic changes and calcified pleura. Lung biopsy showed calcospherites within alveolar spaces.

Detection of Myofascial Herniation on Dynamic Sonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Muscle hernia is an uncommon cause of leg swelling. It can be detected in the early stages only if there is a high index of suspicion. It is common in lower extremity compared to the upper extremity. Tibialis anterior muscle in the leg is commonly involved. Dynamic sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the mainstay in their diagnosis, which demonstrate a facial defect with herniation of muscle fibers. We report a case of 23-year-old male patient who presented with a painless swelling in the anterolateral aspect of the left upper leg. Dynamic sonography done with high-resolution probe demonstrated a defect in fascia overlying tibialis anterior with herniation of outer muscle fibers which increased during dorsiflexion and reduced in the supine position at rest. MRI of the left leg confirmed the findings.