The overall aim of this project is to understand the mechanism by which myosin molecules self-assemble to form myosin filaments. To achieve this aim recombinant DNA technology will be used. Starting with fragments of the myosin molecule which have characteristic assembly properties we will define the human embryonic myosin heavy chain (HEMHC) gene segment corresponding to the fragment. Starting with synthetic oligonucleotides flanking the region of interest we will amplify the gene segment using the polymerase chain reaction. This segment will be expressed in E. coli to verify that it retains the assembly characteristics. The gene segment will then be modified by shortening or elongating to express different size fragments. In this way the changes in the assembly characteristics related to different portions of the myosin molecule will be defined. From the amino acid sequence, characteristic properties of the sequence will be related to the assembly characteristics. Using this information a mechanism for the assembly of myosin should evolve.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AR039590-03
Application #
3159764
Study Section
Cellular Biology and Physiology Subcommittee 1 (CBY)
Project Start
1991-01-01
Project End
1994-11-30
Budget Start
1992-12-14
Budget End
1993-11-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pennsylvania
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
042250712
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104