RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #18306 PROFILE

This project looks at different types of myosin proteins found in our bodies. Myosins are responsible for muscle movement and other tasks. The project studies how fast and strong each type is, hoping to learn more about diseases caused by faulty myosin, like heart problems.

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.

Although superficially similar, myosins actually differ substantially in their properties and distribution in the body.

This project is studying those differences, especially the differences in speed and power.

We are interested in how this might help us understand diseases that result from defects in myosin, including Usher syndrome and, especially, hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies.

Myosin was featured as the PDB Molecule of the Month in June 2001.

myosins

Motor proteins that generate force and movement within cells.

Myosins are a family of proteins crucial for various cellular processes. They use energy to move along filaments, enabling muscle contraction, intracellular transport, and cell division. Defects in myosin function can lead to numerous diseases affecting different tissues and organs.

Usher syndrome

A rare genetic disorder characterized by hearing loss and vision impairment.

Usher syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that primarily affect the senses of hearing and sight. It can cause varying degrees of deafness, from mild to profound, along with retinitis pigmentosa, which progressively damages the retina leading to vision loss.

hypertrophic cardiomyopathies

A group of heart diseases characterized by thickening of the heart muscle.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathies are conditions where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. This thickening can obstruct blood flow out of the heart, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It can be inherited or caused by other factors.

dilated cardiomyopathies

A group of heart diseases characterized by enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle.

Dilated cardiomyopathies involve a weakening and enlargement of the heart's chambers. This can lead to reduced pumping ability and symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. It can be caused by various factors, including genetics, infections, and alcohol abuse.

PDB

Protein Data Bank

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is a global repository of 3D structural data for large biological molecules. Researchers worldwide use this invaluable resource to study protein function, design drugs, and understand diseases.