RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #13825 PROFILE

This project looks at different types of myosin, the proteins that make our muscles move and things work inside our cells. Myosins come in many forms with different strengths and speeds. Understanding how they work can help us learn about diseases caused by faulty myosin, like heart problems.

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.

myosins

Proteins that produce force in cells.

Myosins are essential proteins found in all cells. They act like tiny motors, converting chemical energy into mechanical work. This allows them to perform a variety of functions, including muscle contraction, cell division, and intracellular transport.

Usher syndrome

A rare genetic disorder that affects both hearing and vision.

Usher syndrome is a group of inherited disorders characterized by progressive hearing loss and vision impairment. It can range in severity from mild to profound, affecting individuals differently.

hypertrophic cardiomyopathies

A group of heart diseases that cause the heart muscle to thicken.

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 effectively, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

dilated cardiomyopathies

A heart condition in which the heart's chambers enlarge and weaken.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) involves the enlargement and weakening of the heart's chambers. This can lead to a reduced ability to pump blood effectively, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling.

PDB Molecule of the Month

A monthly feature highlighting a protein structure in the Protein Data Bank.

The PDB Molecule of the Month is a program by the RCSB Protein Data Bank that showcases fascinating and important protein structures. Each month, they select a particular molecule based on its significance in biological research, disease understanding, or drug development.