Dystrophin is a crucial protein that helps maintain the structural integrity of muscle cells. It is part of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, which links the inner cytoskeleton of muscle fibers to the extracellular matrix. This linkage provides stability and prevents muscle damage during contraction. In the absence of dystrophin, muscle fibers become fragile and susceptible to injury, leading to the characteristic muscle degeneration seen in DMD.
