The molecular mechanisms of excitation-contraction coupling, contractile regulation and the basis of contraction in mammalian smooth and cardiac muscle in normal and pathological states are long-term interests of our laboratory. We are currently working on a signal transduction pathway in smooth muscle, which is activated when physiological transmitters or drugs bind to cell membrane receptors and lead to a marked increase in the sensitivity of the contractile proteins to calcium (Ca2+-sensitization). We have found that this G-protein-coupled process, which operates under physiological conditions, inhibits myosin light chain phosphatase, resulting in an increased population of phosphorylated (activated), cycling myosin motors. The phosphatase is a trimeric complex with a 130 kDa subunit which targets the activity to myosin. Current biochemical and molecular biological studies are directed to establishing the messengers between the membrane receptors/G-proteins and the myosin-associated phosphatase, as well as elucidating the mechanism of inhibition of the enzyme.

We are grateful that Dr. Somlyo will present the Rudy Clarenburg Lecture Series in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. We hope you will attend her lectures.

For more information about Dr. Somlyo, please view her webpage at: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/cvrc/faculty/somlyoav.cfm