Abstract
The mechanical effects of the intermediate filament protein desmin was examined in desmin deficient mice (Des−/−) and their wild type control (Des+/+). Active force generation was determined in intact soleus muscles and in skinned single fibres from soleus and psoas. A decreased force generation of skinned muscle fibres from Des−/− mice and a tendency towards decreased active force in intact soleus muscle were detected. Concentrations of the contractile protein actin and myosin were not altered in Des−/− muscles. Ca2+-sensitivity of skinned single fibres in Des−/− muscles was unchanged compared to Des+/+. Using a protocol with repeated short tetani an increased fatigue resistance was found in the intact soleus muscles from Des−/− mice. In conclusion, desmin intermediate filaments are required for optimal generation or transmission of active force in skeletal muscle. Although other studies have shown that the desmin intermediate filaments appear to influence Ca2+-handling, the Ca2+-sensitivity of the contractile filaments is not altered in skeletal muscle of Des−/− mice. Previous studies have reported a switch towards slower myosin isoforms in slow skeletal muscle of Des−/− mice. The increased fatigue resistance show that this change is reflected in the physiological function of the muscle.
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Balogh, J., Li, Z., Paulin, D. et al. Lower active force generation and improved fatigue resistance in skeletal muscle from desmin deficient mice. J Muscle Res Cell Motil 24, 453–459 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1027353930229
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1027353930229