Ribitol 5-Phosphate (IMAGE) Kobe University Caption A rare sugar unit called ribitol 5-phosphate was found within the sugar molecules on the surface of muscle cells. Three genes linked to muscular dystrophy (ISPD, fukutin, and FKRP) are the enzymes used to create the ribitol 5-phosphate sugar molecule. If any of them contain mutations, this affects the creation of the sugar molecule and leads to muscular dystrophy. Credit Kobe University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.