RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #17410 PROFILE

This project studies myosin proteins that power body movements. Understanding how these proteins work helps us develop drugs for 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.

myosin

A motor protein that converts chemical energy into mechanical work.

Myosins are essential proteins found in cells that use energy to move things around. They are responsible for muscle contraction, cell movement, and the transport of materials within cells. Defects in myosin can lead to various diseases, including heart conditions.

proteins

Large biomolecules composed of amino acids.

Proteins are the building blocks of life. They perform a vast array of functions in cells and organisms, including catalyzing biochemical reactions, transporting molecules, providing structural support, and regulating cellular processes.

cardiomyopathies

Diseases of the heart muscle.

Cardiomyopathies are a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

heart failure

A condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively.

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle weakens and becomes unable 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 shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.