Understanding how a tiny muscle motor changes shape and pace one molecule at a time
Official title: Defining Molecular Structure and Dynamics of the Skeletal Muscle Myosin Super Relaxed State: One Molecule at a Time
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11441485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying a muscle protein called myosin to see how it switches between calm and active states, which could affect how muscles work and breathe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2026 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $358,806 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR088256-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for this basic science grant.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation is planned in this basic research grant.
What this research studies
This project looks at the myosin protein in muscles and asks whether its energy-saving SRX state is tied to a particular folded shape (IHM) or if these states can change independently. Using single-molecule techniques, researchers will track how quickly myosin enzymes turn ATP and how the molecule’s shape changes in real time. By combining ATP turnover measurements with FRET to watch structural changes, the study aims to map how SRX, DRX, and their regulators interact in muscle fibers. The findings could reveal targets for therapies when SRX regulation goes awry in muscle diseases or critical illnesses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could inform new strategies to treat muscle disorders by modulating how muscles conserve or use energy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown SRX and DRX dynamics are important for muscle energetics, with ongoing efforts to clarify structural links like IHM.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Warshaw, David M — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Warshaw, David M
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.