MUSK

This gene encodes a member of the protein tyrosine kinase family. The encoded protein is a type 1 receptor-like protein located in muscle membrane that is activated by the heparan sulfate proteoglycan agrin released by nerve cells. The encoded protein activates signaling cascades responsible for multiple aspects of motor neuron and muscle development, including organization of the postsynaptic membrane, synaptic gene transcription, patterning of skeletal muscle, anchoring of acetylcholinesterase, and guidance of motor axons. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described.