Spudich describes the technological and experimental advances of the last ~50 years that have allowed researchers to understand muscle contraction in molecular detail. The development of an in vitro assay let Spudich and his colleagues determine which domain of the myosin molecule (which is very large) is necessary for movement. A laser trap assay allowed them to measure the size of the “step” taken by a myosin molecule moving along actin, as well as the force generated by a single myosin molecule. The solution of a crystal structure for myosin also provided key information about its mechanism of action. These results, together with early enzymatic analysis, have led to a detailed molecular model for the chemo-mechanical cycle of myosin.
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A Brief History of Muscle Biology
James Spudich begins his talk with an early history of muscle biology and moves forward to our current understanding of the molecular basis of muscle contraction and disease. (Talk recorded in May 2017)
- Part 1: A Brief History of Muscle Biology 1864-1969Audience:
- Student
- Researcher
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 31:05 - Part 2: A Brief History of Muscle Biology 1969-2017Audience:
- Student
- Researcher
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 31:32 - Part 3: Ca 2+ Regulation of Muscle ContractionAudience:
- Researcher
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 32:23 - Part 4: Myosin Mutations and Hypertrophic CardiomyopathyAudience:
- Researcher
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 37:56