TNNT3 : troponin T3, fast skeletal type
Description
The TNNT3 (troponin T3, fast skeletal type) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11.
The TNNT3 gene provides instructions for creating a specific type of troponin T protein, found exclusively in skeletal muscles. This protein is one of three components of the troponin complex, which plays a crucial role in regulating muscle contraction alongside calcium. The troponin complex is part of the sarcomere, the fundamental unit of muscle contraction. Inside the sarcomere, thick and thin filaments interact, enabling muscle contraction. Calcium levels dictate the interaction of these filaments. When calcium levels are low, the troponin complex prevents the binding of thick and thin filaments, halting contraction. Conversely, increased calcium levels trigger changes in the troponin complex, allowing the filaments to bind and initiate muscle contraction.
Troponin T (TnT) is a key component of the troponin complex, situated on the thin filament of striated muscle. It is specifically responsible for binding to tropomyosin, another protein within the complex. This interaction plays a vital role in regulating muscle contraction by making the actomyosin ATPase activity sensitive to calcium levels. In essence, TnT acts as a switch, controlling the accessibility of the binding sites on the thin filament for muscle contraction.
TNNT3 is also known as DA2B2, TNTF, beta-TnTF.
