New insight into the functional role of myorod

In this paper, we present a refined version of the previously proposed suspension contractile model based on catch muscle proteins of the Gray's mussel (Crenomytilus grayanus). The objective of this model was to test the current hypotheses about the catch state, a unique phenomenon observed in the adductor muscle of bivalve molluscs. This state allows the muscle to maintain the force developed by contraction for a long time with minimum energy expenditure. Our study has resolved the issue of constructing a catch muscle model capable of controlled contraction and relaxation in an ATP-resistant manner. As a result, we have gained insight into the functional role of myorod, a unique protein of the catch muscle, and have tested the modified myorod-links hypothesis of the catch state. Myorod was shown capable of forming strong and functional cross-links between actin and synthetic thick filaments. This finding removes the last shortcoming of the myorod-links hypothesis of the catch state. There is now no doubt that myorod plays the main role of the catch-link we have been seeking all this time.