Unveiling the secrets of the enigmatic myosin-binding protein C
Navn på bevillingshaver
Julien Ochala
Institution
University of Copenhagen
Beløb
DKK 4,992,186
År
2020
Bevillingstype
Semper Ardens: Accelerate
Hvad?
Myosin-binding protein C (MyBP-C) is a protein that is abundant in the heart and skeletal muscles. Despite this knowledge, we still don't really know how this particular protein works and how it influences muscle contraction and relaxation. The present project aims to clarify this by specifically studying its function, its interactions with neighbouring proteins (such as myosin) and its requirements in terms of energy costs. Additionally, the current work will assess how MyBP-C has adapted and evolved among species and whether this has implications on muscle contraction, relaxation and metabolism.
Hvorfor?
Our studies will provide important basic muscle biology insights. They will also give valuable information for the development of targeted therapies for cardiac and skeletal muscle diseases associated with mutations in MyBP-C.
Hvordan?
This project will consist of a multidisciplinary approach combining (1) computational biology to model intra- and inter-molecular changes and metabolic differences: (2) biochemistry to produce protein constructs: and (3) cell physiology/biophysics to study MyBP-C function and metabolism in muscle cells.