Skeletal muscle and genetics.

The regulation of hypertrophy or atrophy of skeletal muscle is highly regulated by genetic signals closely tied to function. This chapter focuses on the genetic alteration of structural and cytoskeletal proteins that influence exercise capacity, self-care, and activities of daily living by modulation of the physiologic cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle. In addition to a discussion of genetic mechanisms of atrophy and sarcopenia, the muscular dystrophies along with the laminopathies, both diseases of cytoskeletal proteins will be reviewed.