RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #17407 PROFILE

This project looks at myosins, proteins that power our body's movements like muscle contractions. Researchers want to understand how drugs can fix problems with myosins that cause heart diseases like cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Myosin is so important it was even featured as the Molecule of the Month!

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

Motor proteins responsible for muscle contraction and cellular movement.

Myosins are a family of motor proteins essential for various biological processes. They utilize ATP to generate force and move along actin filaments. Myosins play crucial roles in muscle contraction, intracellular transport, cell division, and other cellular functions.

Cardiomyopathies

Diseases of the heart muscle that affect its ability to pump blood effectively.

Cardiomyopathies are a group of diseases that weaken or stiffen the heart muscle, impairing its ability to pump blood efficiently. This can lead to various symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat. Cardiomyopathy types include dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Heart Failure

A chronic condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs.

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle weakens and struggles to pump sufficient blood throughout the body. This can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, legs, and other organs. Causes of heart failure include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathies.

PDB Molecule of the Month

A monthly feature highlighting a significant biomolecule of interest.

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) Molecule of the Month is a feature that showcases important biological molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Each month, a selected molecule is highlighted for its structural significance, functional relevance, or impact on research.