RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #13829 PROFILE

This project studies myosins, the proteins that power our bodies' movements. Different myosins have different strengths and speeds, which can be affected by diseases like heart conditions. Understanding these differences could help us treat these illnesses.

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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myosin

A type of motor protein responsible for muscle contraction and intracellular transport.

Myosins are proteins that power movement in our bodies. They're essential for muscle contractions, allowing us to move, and also help move things inside cells. Different types of myosin have different properties and roles.

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proteins

Large, complex molecules essential for all living organisms.

Proteins are the building blocks of life. They do almost everything in our bodies, from building tissues to fighting infections. They're made up of chains of smaller units called amino acids.

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muscle contraction

The process by which muscles shorten and produce force.

Muscle contraction is how our bodies move. Muscles are made up of fibers that slide past each other, shortening the muscle and creating force. This allows us to walk, run, lift objects, and more.

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Usher syndrome

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

Usher syndrome is a serious condition that affects both hearing and sight. It's caused by mutations in certain genes, leading to damage in the inner ear and retina. This can cause progressive deafness and vision loss.

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cardiomyopathies

Diseases of the heart muscle that make it harder for the heart to pump blood.

Cardiomyopathies are diseases that affect the heart muscle, making it weaker and less efficient at pumping blood. There are different types of cardiomyopathy, including hypertrophic (thickened) and dilated (enlarged), each with its own unique symptoms and causes.

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PDB Molecule of the Month

A monthly feature highlighting a significant protein structure determined by X-ray crystallography or NMR spectroscopy.

The PDB Molecule of the Month is a program run by the Protein Data Bank (PDB), which collects and archives 3D structures of biological molecules. Each month, they choose a particularly interesting structure to highlight, providing information about its function, significance, and how it was studied.