DATE:

Friday, July 24, 2020

TIME:

3:00 PM

LOCATION:

Virtual Zoom Conference

SPEAKER:

Dr. Sanford Bernstein, Department of Biology, San Diego State University

ABSTRACT:

Mutations in the molecular motor protein myosin can cause either dilated (enlarged heart chambers) or hypertrophic (excess tissue growth) cardiac disease in humans. Using our Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) model system, we are studying the mechanistic basis of such cardiomyopathy mutations in skeletal and heart muscles. Analyses of the isolated mutant myosin molecules yield insights at the atomic, biochemical and molecular motility levels. Microscopy studies provide knowledge as to structural aberrations in the repeating sarcomere units essential to muscle contraction. Studies at the muscle fiber and organ levels define mechanical and physiological defects. Overall, we find that under-functional myosin produces dilated cardiomyopathy phenotypes, whereas increased myosin functionality yields hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

HOST:

Jose Castillo

VIDEO: