Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and wasting. The genetic basis varies depending on the specific type:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): Caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene, which is necessary for muscle cell function.
- Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD): Also caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, but the mutations are less severe than in DMD.
- Myotonic dystrophy: Caused by a mutation in the DMPK gene, which leads to abnormal protein production.
- Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD): Caused by a genetic abnormality on chromosome 4.
