Z-band alternatively spliced PDZ-motif protein (ZASP) is a sarcomeric component expressed both in cardiac and skeletal muscles. Mutations in the LDB3/ZASP gene cause cardiomyopathy and myofibrillar myopathy. We describe a c.76C>T / p.[Pro26Ser] mutation in the PDZ motif of LDB3/ZASP in two siblings exhibiting late-onset myopathy with axial, proximal and distal muscles involvement and marked variability in clinical severity in the absence of a significant family history for neuromuscular disorders. Notably, we identified involvement of the psoas muscle on MRI and muscle CT, a feature not previously documented. Proband\'s muscle biopsy showed an increase of ZASP expression by western blotting. Muscle fibres morphological features included peculiar sarcolemmal invaginations, pathological aggregates positive to ZASP, ubiquitin, p62 and LC3 antibodies, and the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles, suggesting that protein aggregate formation and autophagy are involved in this additional case of zaspopathy.

Extensive proteolysis takes place during the processing of dry-cured ham due to the action of muscle peptidases. The aim of this work was to study the degradation of LIM domain binding protein 3 (LDB3), which is located at the Z-lines of the sarcomere, at different times during the Spanish dry-cured ham processing (2, 3.5, 5, 6.5, and 9 months). A total of 107 peptides have been identified by mass spectrometry, most of them generated from the first region of the protein sequence (position 1-90) providing evidence for the complexity and variability of proteolytic reactions throughout the whole process of dry-curing. Methionine oxidation has been observed in several peptides by the end of the process. The potential of some of the identified peptides to be used as biomarkers of dry-cured ham processing has also been considered.