Tag

Sarcomere

All articles tagged with #sarcomere

Breakthrough: Scientists Capture Stunning 3D Image of Mammalian Heart Muscle's Thick Filament

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Phys.org

Scientists have successfully captured the first true-to-life 3D image of the thick filament in mammalian heart muscle using electron cryo-tomography. The study provides insights into the molecular organization and function of the thick filament, including the arrangement of myosin molecules and the role of titin chains. This breakthrough in muscle research could contribute to a better understanding of muscle diseases and the development of innovative therapies.

health science-and-technology 3d-imaging mammalian-heart-muscle muscle-research sarcomere science-and-technology thick-filament

Unveiling the Intricacies of Cardiac Myosin Filament Structure

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Nature.com

Researchers have determined the structure of the native myosin filament in the relaxed cardiac sarcomere, the basic contractile unit of muscle. The study reveals the arrangement and interactions of key proteins, including myosin, titin, and MyBP-C, within the thick filament. The myosin heads are organized in a quasihelical array with three-fold rotational symmetry, and the myosin tails form a coiled-coil structure at the center of the filament. MyBP-C acts as a mechanical sensor and links the thick and thin filaments, while titin acts as a molecular spring and ruler for myosin assembly. The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanics of muscle contraction and could have implications for understanding and treating cardiac diseases.

health science-and-technology cardiac-myofibrils muscle-contraction myosin-filament sarcomere science-and-technology titin