Protein post-translational modifications are like the «clothing» of proteins: reversible, dynamic modifications that proteins undergo in a matter of seconds or minutes. Just like we can put a jumper on if we’re cold, and take it off when it’s warmer, proteins in our cells undergo modifications that can alter their function or localisation.

Here, we investigate a new modification, known as methylation, of a key protein in our hearts, called sodium channel. But what is the effect of methylation on sodium channels, what happens if the channel puts too much methylation on, and how can it all be modelled mathematically?