Comparative biomechanics of thick filaments and thin filaments with functional consequences for muscle contraction.
The scaffold of striated muscle is predominantly comprised of myosin and actin polymers known as thick filaments and thin filaments, respectively. The roles these filaments play in muscle contraction are well known, but the extent to which variations in filament mechanical properties influence muscle function is not fully understood. Here we review information on the material properties of thick filaments, thin filaments, and their primary constituents; we also discuss ways in which mechanical properties of filaments impact muscle performance.
Miller
Mark S
MS
Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
Tanner
Bertrand C W
BC
Nyland
Lori R
LR
Vigoreaux
Jim O
JO
D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D009218:Myosins / Q000502:physiology*
D009218:Myosins