The Giant Muscle Protein Titin is an Adjustable Molecular Spring

In Brief When muscles are stretched, the giant protein titin develops passive force. Titin's force performs important functions that include maintaining the structural integrity of the sarcomere, and triggering signal transduction pathways. We propose that the mechanical properties of titin can be tuned according to the mechanical demands places on muscle, using mechanisms that include alternative splicing and posttranslational modifications. Learn about the mechanical properties of the giant protein titin and how these properties can be tuned via alternative splicing and posttranslational modifications.