The Z-Disc in Motion

and the Titin Spring in the Sarcomere

Maren Lebender and Chi Lui Wong
in cooperation with Christian Rode: Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena
Cinema 4D 06/2018 ZHdK Module Medical Illustration II

The details of the muscle contraction, especially the movement of the sarcomere, the smallest unit of the muscle, are a current topic of research. Christian Rode from the University of Jena developed a new theory about what happens to the Z-Disc and the Titin (a spring like protein) in the muscle. In his theory the Myosin and the Titin are penetrating the Z-Disc during muscle contraction. This 3D animation visualizes this new theory. The animation focuses on the Z-Disc movement while the other one shows the movement of the Titin (orange)during contraction. The animations shall be used for academic purposes and museum exhibitions.