RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #14482 PROFILE

This project studies myosins, proteins that power body movements like muscle contractions and cell functions. Scientists want to understand how drugs could fix problems with myosin, which cause heart diseases like cardiomyopathy and heart failure.

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.

We are interested in understanding the mechanistic basis of drugs that might be used to treat defects in myosin, including hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies as well as heart failure.

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

myosins

Proteins responsible for force generation in cells.

Myosins are a family of proteins crucial for various cellular functions, particularly muscle contraction. They convert chemical energy into mechanical work, enabling movement within cells and tissues. Defects in myosin function can lead to diseases affecting heart muscle, like cardiomyopathies.

cardiomyopathies

Diseases of the heart muscle.

Cardiomyopathies are a group of diseases that weaken the heart muscle, making it harder to pump blood effectively. This can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain. There are various types of cardiomyopathies, including dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

heart failure

A condition where the heart can't pump blood effectively.

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is too weak to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. Heart failure is a serious condition that often requires medical treatment.

PDB

Protein Data Bank

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is a global repository of information about the three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules, primarily proteins and nucleic acids. Researchers use PDB data to understand protein function, design new drugs, and study diseases.

Molecule of the Month

A monthly feature highlighting a significant protein structure in the PDB.

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) features a 'Molecule of the Month' program that showcases a particular protein structure each month. These selections highlight interesting or important proteins and contribute to public awareness of structural biology research.