THE MECHANISM OF CONTRACTION OF SMOOTH MUSCLE TISSUE
Keywords:
Smooth muscle contraction, calcium ion regulation, myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK), actin-myosin interaction, calmodulin, phosphorylation, second messenger systems, signal transduction, muscle physiology, sustained contraction, therapeutic targets, vascular regulation, gastrointestinal motility, airway smooth muscle, hypertension, asthma.Abstract
Smooth muscle tissue plays a main role in various physiological processes, including vascular regulation, digestion, and respiratory function. Unlike skeletal muscle, smooth muscle contraction is not under voluntary control and operates through distinct biochemical and mechanical mechanisms. This article explores the molecular basis of smooth muscle contraction, focusing on the key pathways that regulate calcium ion dynamics, the role of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK), and the phosphorylation of myosin light chains. Additionally, we highlight the interplay between actin and myosin filaments in generating contractile force and the influence of regulatory proteins such as calmodulin. We also review how external stimuli, including hormones and neurotransmitters, modulate smooth muscle contraction through second messenger systems.
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