The molecular mechanics of smooth muscle myosin.
Smooth muscle cells are capable of generating forces comparable to those of skeletal muscle cells but with far less myosin, the molecular motor that powers muscle contraction. This unique capability may be inherent to the myosin molecule. We have directly characterized the molecular mechanics of smooth muscle myosin using new technologies developed to measure the forces generated by these proteins. The data help explain the differences in force and velocity in whole smooth and skeletal muscles.
Guilford
W H
WH
University of Vermont, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, Burlington 05405, USA.
Warshaw
D M
DM
D000818:Animals; D008954:Models, Biological; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000502:physiology*; D009218:Myosins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D011487:Protein Conformation
D009218:Myosins