Understanding how a key muscle protein, Titin, works in active muscles
Titin-based stiffness regulation and mechanosensing in activated skeletal muscle.
This research explores how a vital muscle protein called Titin helps muscles move and how its changes might lead to muscle weakness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145121 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our muscles rely on a protein called Titin, which acts like a spring, to help them move and maintain their structure. When Titin doesn't work correctly due to genetic changes, it can cause serious muscle diseases. We are learning more about how Titin behaves when muscles are active, as our current knowledge mostly comes from resting muscles. This project will look at specific parts of Titin, called N2A and PEVK, and how they interact with other muscle components to control muscle stiffness. We also want to understand Titin's role in activating the muscle's main contractile proteins.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with muscle weakness or conditions linked to Titin mutations could eventually benefit from this foundational knowledge.
Not a fit: Patients whose muscle conditions are not related to Titin function or muscle stiffness may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to a better understanding of muscle diseases caused by Titin mutations and potentially new ways to treat them.
How similar studies have performed: While some aspects of Titin's role in passive muscle are known, this research explores novel mechanisms of stiffness regulation and thick filament activation in active and diseased muscle.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Granzier, Henk L. — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Granzier, Henk L.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.