Troponin

Definition

Troponin is a complex of three regulatory proteins (troponin C, I, and T) that is integral to muscle contraction in skeletal and cardiac muscles by controlling the calcium-mediated interaction between actin and myosin. It binds to calcium ions to initiate conformational changes that allow myosin heads to bind to actin filaments.

Related terms

Actin:

A globular protein that forms filaments which are part of the structure of muscle cells and are involved in muscle contraction and movement.

Myosin:

A type of motor protein found in muscle tissue that interacts with actin filaments to cause muscle contraction.

Calcium ions: Essential ions in cellular processes, acting as a critical signal for initiating muscle contractions by binding to troponin