Title: "Single-molecule mechanobiochemistry: from the regulation of muscle elasticity to the
production of muscle-mimicking biomaterials"
Abstract
In our laboratory, we investigate the mechanical properties of the myocardium and their
regulation in health and disease. Mutations in cardiac proteins with mechanical roles cause
different forms of life-threatening cardiomyopathy by mechanisms that remain unknown. We
are currently testing the hypothesis that mutations in sarcomeric proteins can induce
mechanical phenotypes that result in the development of disease. We also want to understand
how the elasticity of the myocardium is tuned by posttranslational modifications of sarcomeric
proteins. We are applying this fundamental knowledge to develop novel protein biomaterials
whose mechanical properties can be regulated by physiological cues. To bridge the gap
between mechanics and biochemical regulation of sarcomeric proteins, we apply our double
expertise in protein biochemistry and single-molecule force-clamp spectroscopy by atomic
force microscopy.
Jorge Alegre-Cebollada, PhD
Assistant Professor – Group Leader
Single-Molecule Mechanobiochemistry
National Institute of Cardiovascular Research (CNIC)
Cl. Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3. 28029 MADRID, SPAIN