RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #17440 PROFILE

This project looks at different myosins in the human body. Myosins are proteins that power movement, like muscle contractions and cell processes. Scientists want to understand how drugs can fix problems with myosins, which cause heart conditions 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.

Myosins

Proteins responsible for force generation in cells.

Myosins are a family of proteins crucial for various cellular functions, primarily the generation of force. They play vital roles in muscle contraction, intracellular transport, and cell division. Defects in myosin function can lead to several diseases, including cardiomyopathies and heart failure.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

A disease characterized by thickening of the heart muscle.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened. This thickening can make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Treatment often involves medication and lifestyle changes.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

A disease where the heart chambers enlarge and weaken.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart condition where the heart's chambers become enlarged and weakened. This makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.

Heart Failure

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

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and unable to pump blood efficiently. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and ankles, and other symptoms. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and devices that assist the heart.

PDB

Protein Data Bank

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is a global repository of 3D structural data for biological macromolecules. It provides access to experimental and computational data on proteins, nucleic acids, and complexes, facilitating research in various fields, including drug discovery and disease understanding.