RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #13821 PROFILE

This project looks at different types of myosins in the human body. Myosins are proteins that power our muscles and move things inside our cells. The project studies how fast and strong these different myosins are, which can help us understand diseases caused by faulty myosins like heart conditions and Usher syndrome.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

This project simulates several myosins found in the human body.

Myosins are the proteins responsible for most of the force generated by the body, from the contraction of muscles to the movement of materials around the cell.

Although superficially similar, myosins actually differ substantially in their properties and distribution in the body.

This project is studying those differences, especially the differences in speed and power.

We are especially interested in how this might help us understand diseases that result from defects in myosin, including Usher syndrome and, especially, hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies.

Myosin was featured as the PDB Molecule of the Month in June 2001.

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Myosins

Motor proteins that produce force for cell movement.

Myosins are essential proteins found in all cells. They act like tiny motors, using energy to move parts within the cell or even the whole cell. This movement is crucial for many functions, including muscle contraction, cell division, and transporting materials around the cell.

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Proteins

Large, complex molecules essential for all life processes.

Proteins are the building blocks of all living things. They have many different functions, including transporting materials, fighting infections, and speeding up chemical reactions. Every cell in our body relies on proteins to function properly.

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Muscle Contraction

The process by which muscles shorten to generate force.

Muscle contraction is how our bodies move. When a muscle receives a signal from the nervous system, it contracts and pulls on bones, creating movement. This process is essential for everything we do, from walking and running to breathing and digesting food.

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Usher syndrome

A rare genetic disorder that causes both hearing loss and vision problems.

Usher syndrome is a group of genetic disorders that affect both the ears and eyes. People with Usher syndrome often have difficulty hearing and seeing, and may also experience balance problems. There are different types of Usher syndrome, and the severity of symptoms can vary.

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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

A heart muscle disease that causes the heart to become abnormally thick.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened. This thickening can make it harder for the heart to pump blood, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness. HCM is often genetic.

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Dilated cardiomyopathy

A heart muscle disease that causes the heart chambers to enlarge and weaken.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition where the heart chambers become enlarged and weakened. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles.

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PDB

Protein Data Bank

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is a global repository of 3D structures of biological macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Researchers use these structures to understand how proteins function and to design new drugs and therapies.