Mechanics of Z-disc Proteins

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The muscle Z-disc is a cellular structure constantly subject to considerable mechanical stress. How the molecular structures of the Z-disc are adapted to the forces acting in muscle is largely unkown. In this project we will investigate the mechanical stability of important molecular structures and protein/protein interactions in the muscle Z-disc on the single molecule level. In the first part of the project, we will study the interaction mechanics of filamin. Both the mechanical stability of the dimer as well as the interaction with multiple binding partners will be investigated. The second area will concern the interaction mechanics of the calmodulin like domains in α-actinin. The interaction of this domain with the titin Zrepeats is a key anchoring mechanism of titin within the Z-disc.