Myosin Oxidation and Effects on Magnesium and Actin Binding

Presenter Information

Lelti Asgedom, Minnesota State University, MankatoFollow
Muna Awel, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

12-4-2022 2:00 PM

End Date

12-4-2022 3:30 PM

Student's Major

Biochemistry, Chemistry and Geology

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Rebecca Moen

Mentor's Department

Biochemistry, Chemistry and Geology

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Muscles are responsible for producing force throughout the human body. Muscle tissue is divided into three general types: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle. Our muscles are prime targets of oxidative stress as they must respond effectively to influences such as exercise, hormonal changes, development, and aging. Repetitive muscle contractions lead to a variety of physiological responses including an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. ROS can affect all muscle types. Experimental research has shown that oxidation causes a functional decline in the actomyosin interaction as well as changes in myosin structural dynamics. Magnesium (Mg 2+) is a cation known for its regulatory role in the cell, including regulation of myosin’s motor activity and binding to actin. Studies show that increasing concentrations of Mg2+ slows actomyosin ATPase and that both actin and nucleotide binding to myosin are both dependent on magnesium. The main goal of our research project is to explore the combined effects of oxidation and Mg2+ on actomyosin function including myosin ATPase activity and actomyosin binding interactions. In addition, changes in myosin’s structure and stability will also be assessed.