RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #17436 PROFILE

This project studies myosin proteins which are essential for movement in the body, from muscle contraction to moving things inside cells. Scientists want to understand how drugs can fix problems with myosin that cause heart diseases like cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Myosin is so important it was even featured as 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 force generation in the body.

Myosins are a family of proteins crucial for various cellular processes. They generate force essential for muscle contraction, movement within cells, and other functions. Defects in myosin can lead to diseases like cardiomyopathies (heart conditions) and affect overall bodily function.

Proteins

Large biomolecules essential for all life processes.

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 determine their function. Proteins are involved in everything from building tissues to catalyzing chemical reactions.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

A disease characterized by thickening of the heart muscle.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic heart condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. This thickening can make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

A disease characterized by enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart chambers become enlarged and stretched. This weakens the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles.

Heart Failure

A condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively.

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It often results from underlying conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.