Functions of unconventional myosins

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2000 Feb;12(1):42-51. doi: 10.1016/s0955-0674(99)00055-1.

Abstract

To date, fourteen classes of unconventional myosins have been identified. Recent reports have implicated a number of these myosins in organelle transport, and in the formation, maintenance and/or dynamics of actin-rich structures involved in a variety of cellular processes including endocytosis, cell migration, and sensory transduction. Characterizations of organelle dynamics in pigment cells and neurons have further defined the contributions made by unconventional myosins and microtubule motors to the transport and distribution of organelles. Several studies have provided evidence of complexes through which cooperative organelle transport may be coordinated. Finally, the myosin superfamily has been shown to contain at least one processive motor and one backwards motor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Dyneins / metabolism
  • Endocytosis
  • Hair Cells, Auditory / cytology
  • Hair Cells, Auditory / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism
  • Myosins / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Organelles / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Actins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • cytoplasmic linker protein 170
  • Myosins
  • Dyneins