Analysis of lasp function in myofibril assembly

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We propose to investigate the protein Lasp, which is essential for proper muscle function. The smallest contractile units of muscles have two filament systems, the thick and thin filaments that slide past each other to generate contractile force. A mutation in Lasp results in shorter thin filaments, and therefore impaired muscle function, as the contractile force that can be generated with shorter thin filaments is smaller. We will investigate how Lasp regulates thin filament length with genetic, biochemical, and advanced imaging methods, such as live imaging of thin filament turnover. These basic cell biological studies will shed light on important aspects of muscle function in development and disease.