RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #14488 PROFILE

This project studies myosins, proteins that power movements in our bodies like muscle contractions. Scientists want to understand how drugs could fix problems with myosin that cause heart diseases. Myosin is so important it was even named the 'Molecule of the Month' by scientists!

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 the body.

Myosins are a family of proteins crucial for movement within cells and tissues. They power muscle contractions, move materials within cells, and play roles in various biological processes. Defects in myosin function can lead to diseases like cardiomyopathies and heart failure.

proteins

Large biomolecules essential for life.

Proteins are the workhorses of cells, carrying out a vast array of functions. They are made up of chains of amino acids and fold into specific shapes that allow them to perform their tasks, which include catalyzing reactions, transporting molecules, providing structure, and defending against disease.

muscle

Tissue responsible for movement.

Muscles are tissues composed of cells that can contract, generating force and enabling movement. There are three types: skeletal muscles (for voluntary movement), smooth muscles (for involuntary movement in organs), and cardiac muscle (found only in the heart).

cardiomyopathy

Disease of the heart muscle.

Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle's ability to pump blood effectively. It can lead to various symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Types include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle), dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged and weakened heart chambers), and restrictive cardiomyopathy (stiffened heart muscle).

heart failure

Inability of the heart to pump enough blood.

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle weakens and can't pump blood effectively. This leads to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. It can be caused by various factors, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy.