Research Focus

Elucidation of the function/dysfunction of motor proteins using single-molecule biophysics

At Amrute Lab, our research is aimed at understanding how disease-causing mutations in the cardiac myosin complex impair the fundamental motor function of the sarcomere, leading to impaired cardiac contractility, pathological cardiac remodeling and heart failure. We are particularly interested in elucidating the intrinsic biophysical properties of diverse myosin isoforms and how these are finely tuned to support their specific physiological roles in cardiac and skeletal muscle. To achieve this, we employ advanced single-molecule techniques, such as TIRF microscopy and optical trapping enabling real time, high-resolution visualization of myosin dynamics during interaction with actin or regulated actin filaments under precisely controlled conditions. These approaches allow us to dissect the mechanism underlying motor function, regulation, and dysfunction at the fundamental level.  Built on this mechanistic understanding, we evaluate clinically relevant small-molecule modulators for their isoform-specific effects and potential off-target consequences, ensuring direct relevance to therapeutic development.

For more information, please visit the Amrute-Nayak Research Group website.