Myosins: a diverse superfamily

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2000 Mar 17;1496(1):3-22. doi: 10.1016/s0167-4889(00)00005-7.

Abstract

Myosins constitute a large superfamily of actin-dependent molecular motors. Phylogenetic analysis currently places myosins into 15 classes. The conventional myosins which form filaments in muscle and non-muscle cells form class II. There has been extensive characterization of these myosins and much is known about their function. With the exception of class I and class V myosins, little is known about the structure, enzymatic properties, intracellular localization and physiology of most unconventional myosin classes. This review will focus on myosins from class IV, VI, VII, VIII, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV and XV. In addition, the function of myosin II in non-muscle cells will also be discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / classification
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / genetics
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism
  • Multigene Family*
  • Myosins / chemistry
  • Myosins / classification*
  • Myosins / genetics
  • Myosins / metabolism*
  • Phylogeny
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Plant Proteins
  • Myosins