# ACTIN BASED REGULATION OF SMOOTH MUSCLE CONTRACTION

> **NIH NIH R01** · EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY · 1987 · $62,282

## Abstract

The contraction of vertebrate smooth muscle, like all other types of muscle
is the result of a cyclic interaction of the proteins myosin and actin in a
process coupled to the hydrolysis of ATP.  The regulation of smooth muscle
contraction is very complex involving several distinct regulatory systems.
Because of the great importance of the regulation of smooth muscle
contraction, particularly in relation to vascular disease, the various
components of these regulatory systems must be identified and the
interactions which produce overall regulation must be defined.  The primary
regulatory system in smooth muscle appears to be myosin based with
dephosphorylation of myosin causing relaxation.  More evidence has been
accumulating that an actin-linked system may further modulate the force
producing interaction of myosin with actin.  A likely candidate for an
actin binding regulatory protein is the recently identified protein,
caldesmon.  The inhibitory function of caldesmon will be studied in
detail.  Its binding to actin and other proteins in the contractile
apparatus will be quantitated.  Finally, the interplay of myosin based and
actin based regulatory systems in smooth muscle will be examined.  Other
potential regulatory proteins from smooth muscle may also be studied.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3157109
- **Project number:** 5R01AR035216-03
- **Recipient organization:** EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HWPEKM8VFTJ9
- **Principal Investigator:** JOSEPH M CHALOVICH
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $62,282
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-04-01 → 1988-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3157109

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3157109, ACTIN BASED REGULATION OF SMOOTH MUSCLE CONTRACTION (5R01AR035216-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3157109. Licensed CC0.

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