Reviewed February 2012 What is the official name of the TTN
gene? The official name of this gene is “titin.” TTN is the
gene's official symbol. The TTN gene is also known by other
names, listed below. What is the normal function of the TTN
gene? The TTN gene provides instructions for making a very large
protein called titin. This protein plays an important role in
muscles the body uses for movement (skeletal muscles) and in
heart (cardiac) muscle. Slightly different versions, or
isoforms, of titin are made in different muscles. Within muscle
cells, titin is an essential component of structures called
sarcomeres. Sarcomeres are the basic units of muscle
contraction; they are made of proteins that generate the
mechanical force needed for muscles to contract. Titin has
several functions within sarcomeres. One of the protein's main
jobs is to provide structure, flexibility, and stability to
these cell structures. Titin interacts with other muscle
proteins, including actin and myosin, to keep the components of
sar