Myosins: tails (and heads) of functional diversity

Physiology (Bethesda). 2005 Aug:20:239-51. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00014.2005.

Abstract

The myosin family of actin filament-based molecular motors consists of at least 20 structurally and functionally distinct classes. The human genome contains nearly 40 myosin genes, encoding 12 of these classes. Myosins have been implicated in a variety of intracellular functions, including cell migration and adhesion; intracellular transport and localization of organelles and macromolecules; signal transduction; and tumor suppression. In this review, recent insights into the remarkable diversity in the mechanochemical and functional properties associated with this family of molecular motors are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / physiology*
  • Myosins / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Myosins