RESEARCH: MYOSINS
FOLDING PROJECT #18312 PROFILE

This project looks at how different myosins work in the body. Myosins are proteins that make our muscles move and help things move inside our cells. Understanding how they differ could lead to new treatments for diseases like heart problems caused by faulty myosins.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

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 structurally 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.

We are using this information to understand and design specific theraputics that don't have off-target effects.

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

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myosins

Proteins responsible for force generation in the body.

Myosins are a family of proteins essential for movement within cells and throughout the body. They power muscle contractions, intracellular transport, and various other cellular processes. Defects in myosin function can lead to diseases like Usher syndrome and cardiomyopathies.

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proteins

Large biomolecules essential for all biological functions.

Proteins are complex molecules made up of amino acids that perform a wide range of functions in living organisms. They act as enzymes, structural components, hormones, and antibodies, playing vital roles in growth, repair, and regulation.

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Usher syndrome

A rare genetic disorder causing hearing loss and vision impairment.

Usher syndrome is a hereditary condition affecting both hearing and sight. It involves mutations in specific genes that disrupt the development and function of sensory organs. Symptoms typically include progressive hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa (an eye disease), and balance problems.

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cardiomyopathies

Diseases affecting the heart muscle.

Cardiomyopathies are a group of diseases that weaken or stiffen the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. They can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs. Types include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart muscle) and dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged and weakened heart chambers).

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theraputics

Treatments for diseases or conditions.

Therapeutics encompass a broad range of medical treatments aimed at diagnosing, preventing, or curing diseases. They include medications, therapies, surgery, and lifestyle interventions.

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PDB

Protein Data Bank

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is a global repository for 3D structural data of biological macromolecules, primarily proteins and nucleic acids. It provides essential information for understanding protein function, designing drugs, and advancing research in various fields.