Homology modeling and global computational mutagenesis of human myosin VIIa

Myosin VIIa as a common component of cilia and microvilli.

The distribution of myosin VIIa, which is defective or absent in Usher syndrome 1B, was studied in a variety of tissues by immunomicroscopy. The primary aim was to determine whether this putative actin-based mechanoenzyme is a common component of cilia. Previously, it has been proposed that defective ciliary function might be the basis of some forms of Usher syndrome. Myosin VIIa was detected i...

homology modeling of human nmda receptor and studies of the channel symmetry using brownian dynamics simulation

Global Computational Modeling of Cardiovascular Blood Flow

The cardiovascular system is an internal flow network with multiple branches in which three-dimensional and pulsatile blood flow circulates. We propose a new paradigm of simulation-based biomedical engineering, which is designed as a useful means for predictive medicine. In order to achieve this paradigm a global computational modeling of cardiovascular blood flow is highlighted and some prelim...

Actin-based motor properties of native myosin VIIa.

Myosin VIIa has critical roles in the inner ear and the retina. To help understand how this protein functions, native myosin VIIa was tested for mechanoenzymatic properties. Myosin VIIa was immunoprecipitated from retinal tissue and found to be associated with calmodulin in a Ca(2+)-sensitive manner. Myosin VIIa Mg-ATPase activity was detected; in the absence of Ca(2+) (i.e. with bound calmodul...

Homology modeling and site-directed mutagenesis to identify selective inhibitors of endothelin-converting enzyme-2.

Endothelin-converting enzyme-2 (ECE-2), a member of M13 family of zinc metallopeptidases, has previously been shown to process a number of neuropeptides including those derived from prodynorphin, proenkephalin, proSAAS, and amyloid precursor protein. ECE-2, unlike ECE-1, exhibits restricted neuroendocrine distribution and acidic pH optimum; it is consistent with a role in the regulation of neur...