The giant muscle protein titin is an adjustable molecular spring.
When muscles are stretched, the giant protein titin develops passive force. Titin's force performs important functions that include maintaining the structural integrity of the sarcomere, and triggering signal transduction pathways. We propose that the mechanical properties of titin can be tuned according to the mechanical demands places on muscle, using mechanisms that include alternative splicing and posttranslational modifications.
Granzier
Henk L
HL
Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Wegner Hall 205, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6520, USA. granzier@wsunix.wsu.edu
Labeit
Siegfried
S