OBJECTIVE:

Dysferlin (DYSF) gene mutations cause limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B and Miyoshi's myopathy. The consequences of DYSF mutations on protein structure are poorly understood.

METHODS:

The gene encoding dysferlin was sequenced in patients with suspected dysferlin-deficient muscular dystrophy. Muscle biopsy specimens were analyzed by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Antibodies against N-terminal dysferlin-peptides were raised.

RESULTS:

We found three families with muscular dystrophy caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous DYSF mutations featuring sarcolemmal and interstitial amyloid deposits. These mutations were all located in the N-terminal region of the protein. Dysferlin was a constituent of the amyloid deposits.

INTERPRETATION:

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B is the first muscular dystrophy associated with amyloidosis. Molecular treatment strategies will necessarily have to consider the presence of amyloidogenesis.