RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #13827 PROFILE

This project looks at how different types of myosin work. Myosins are proteins that power movement in our bodies, from muscles to tiny things inside cells. The project wants to understand how different myosins speed and strength might help explain diseases like heart problems and Usher syndrome.

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 responsible for force generation in the body.

Myosins are a family of proteins crucial for various cellular functions, including muscle contraction and intracellular transport. They convert chemical energy into mechanical work, enabling movement at both the cellular and organismal levels. Defects in myosin function can lead to diseases like Usher syndrome and cardiomyopathies.

Usher Syndrome

A rare genetic disorder causing hearing loss and vision impairment.

Usher syndrome is a group of inherited disorders characterized by progressive hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa (an eye disease that causes vision loss). There are three types of Usher syndrome, each with varying degrees of severity. It's caused by mutations in genes involved in the development and function of the inner ear and retina.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

A thickening of the heart muscle.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart disease where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened. This thickening can make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. It's often detected through an echocardiogram.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart disease where one or more chambers of the heart become enlarged and weakened. This can lead to difficulty pumping blood effectively, resulting in fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Causes include genetic factors, infections, and alcohol abuse.

PDB Molecule of the Month

A monthly feature highlighting a significant biological molecule.

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) Molecule of the Month is a recurring online feature that showcases a unique and important protein structure. Each month, scientists select a specific molecule based on its scientific significance, structural complexity, or potential applications in medicine and research.