What is troponin c?

Troponin C is a protein found in muscle cells, particularly in cardiac and skeletal muscle. It is a critical component of the troponin complex, which plays a key role in regulating muscle contraction.

Troponin C binds to calcium ions, triggering a conformational change that allows for the interaction between actin and myosin filaments in muscle cells. This interaction is essential for the contraction of muscle fibers.

In cardiac muscle, elevated levels of troponin C in the blood are indicative of damage to the heart muscle, such as in the case of a heart attack. Thus, troponin C is commonly used as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions.

Overall, troponin C is a crucial protein in muscle physiology, playing a vital role in the regulation of muscle contraction and serving as an important marker for cardiac injury.