RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #17428 PROFILE

This project studies myosins, proteins that power muscle movement and cellular processes. Researchers want to understand how drugs could fix problems with myosins, like those causing heart diseases. Myosins are so important they were 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

Proteins responsible for muscle contraction and cellular movement.

Myosins are a family of motor proteins crucial for various bodily functions. They convert chemical energy into mechanical force, enabling muscle contractions, cell division, and intracellular transport. Defects in myosin can lead to diseases like cardiomyopathies and heart failure.

proteins

Large biomolecules essential for various cellular functions.

Proteins are complex molecules made up of amino acids. They play diverse roles in the body, including catalyzing reactions, transporting molecules, providing structural support, and regulating biological processes.

muscles

Contractile tissues responsible for movement.

Muscles are specialized tissues composed of fibers that contract and relax to produce movement. They are categorized into skeletal muscles (voluntary control), smooth muscles (involuntary control), and cardiac muscle (found in the heart). Muscles work in coordination with nerves and other body systems to facilitate locomotion, posture, and internal organ function.

cardiomyopathies

Diseases of the heart muscle.

Cardiomyopathies are a group of disorders affecting the structure and function of the heart muscle. They can lead to weakened pumping ability, irregular heartbeat, and heart failure. Different types of cardiomyopathies include dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart chambers), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart walls), and restrictive cardiomyopathy (stiff heart muscle).

heart failure

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

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle weakens or becomes stiff, impairing its ability to pump sufficient blood throughout the body. This leads to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles. Heart failure can result from various conditions, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathies.