The sarcomeric M-region: a molecular command center for diverse cellular processes

Biomed Res Int. 2015:2015:714197. doi: 10.1155/2015/714197. Epub 2015 Apr 15.

Abstract

The sarcomeric M-region anchors thick filaments and withstands the mechanical stress of contractions by deformation, thus enabling distribution of physiological forces along the length of thick filaments. While the role of the M-region in supporting myofibrillar structure and contractility is well established, its role in mediating additional cellular processes has only recently started to emerge. As such, M-region is the hub of key protein players contributing to cytoskeletal remodeling, signal transduction, mechanosensing, metabolism, and proteasomal degradation. Mutations in genes encoding M-region related proteins lead to development of severe and lethal cardiac and skeletal myopathies affecting mankind. Herein, we describe the main cellular processes taking place at the M-region, other than thick filament assembly, and discuss human myopathies associated with mutant or truncated M-region proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Muscle Contraction
  • Muscle Proteins / chemistry*
  • Muscle Proteins / metabolism
  • Myocardium / metabolism*
  • Sarcomeres / chemistry
  • Sarcomeres / metabolism*
  • Stress, Mechanical

Substances

  • Muscle Proteins