RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #17429 PROFILE

This project studies myosins, proteins that power our body's movements. Scientists want to understand how drugs could fix problems with myosin that cause heart diseases like cardiomyopathies 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 type of motor protein responsible for force generation in cells.

Myosins are essential proteins that power muscle contractions and cellular movements. They convert chemical energy into mechanical work, allowing cells to perform tasks like transporting cargo within the cell or contracting muscles for movement. Defects in myosin can lead to various diseases, including cardiomyopathies and heart failure.

proteins

Large, complex molecules made up of chains of amino acids.

Proteins are the building blocks of life, performing a wide range of functions within cells and organisms. They act as enzymes, hormones, structural components, and transporters, among other roles. Their structure and function are determined by the sequence of amino acids they contain.

cardiomyopathies

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

Cardiomyopathies are a group of disorders that weaken the heart muscle, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. This can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs or abdomen. There are different types of cardiomyopathies, including dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

heart failure

A condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively enough to meet the body's needs.

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes weakened or stiff, making it unable to pump blood efficiently. This can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, and rapid heartbeat.