Mammalian class I myosin, Myo1b, is monomeric and cross-links actin filaments as determined by hydrodynamic studies and electron microscopy

Biophys J. 2005 Jan;88(1):384-91. doi: 10.1529/biophysj.104.045245. Epub 2004 Oct 8.

Abstract

The class I myosin, Myo1b, is a calmodulin- and actin-associated molecular motor widely expressed in mammalian tissues. Analytical ultracentrifugation studies indicate that Myo1b purified from rat liver has a Stokes radius of 6.7 nm and a sedimentation coefficient, s(20,w), of 7.0 S with a predicted molar mass of 213 kg/mol. These results indicate that Myo1b is monomeric and consists primarily of a splice variant having five associated calmodulins. Molecular modeling based on the analytical ultracentrifugation studies are supported by electron microscopy studies that depict Myo1b as a single-headed, tadpole-shaped molecule with outer dimensions of 27.9 x 4.0 nm. Above a certain Myo1b/actin ratio, Myo1b bundles actin filaments presumably by virtue of a second actin-binding site. These studies provide new information regarding the oligomeric state and morphology of Myo1b and support a model in which Myo1b cross-links actin through a cryptic actin-binding site.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Actins / chemistry
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Anions
  • Binding Sites
  • Calmodulin / chemistry
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Chromatography, Ion Exchange
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / pharmacology
  • Egtazic Acid / chemistry
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Models, Molecular
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Myosin Type I / chemistry*
  • Myosin Type I / physiology
  • Protein Binding
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Ultracentrifugation

Substances

  • Actins
  • Anions
  • Calmodulin
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Egtazic Acid
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Myosin Type I