The ATPase activity of Myr3, a rat myosin I, is allosterically inhibited by its own tail domain and by Ca2+ binding to its light chain calmodulin

Ensembles of human myosin-19 bound to calmodulin and regulatory light chain RLC12B drive multimicron transport

Myosin-19 (Myo19) controls the size, morphology, and distribution of mitochondria, but the underlying role of Myo19 motor activity is unknown. Complicating mechanistic in vitro studies, the identity of the light chains (LCs) of Myo19 remains unsettled. Here, we show by coimmunoprecipitation, reconstitution, and proteomics that the three IQ motifs of human Myo19 expressed in Expi293 human cells bind regulatory light chain (RLC12B) and calmodulin (CaM). We demonstrate that overexpression of Myo19 in HeLa cells enhances the recruitment of both Myo19 and RLC12B to mitochondria, suggesting cellular association of RLC12B with the motor. Further experiments revealed that RLC12B binds IQ2 and is flanked by two CaM molecules. In vitro, we observed that the maximal speed (∼350 nm/s) occurs when Myo19 is supplemented with CaM, but not RLC12B, suggesting maximal motility requires binding of CaM to IQ-1 and IQ-3. The addition of calcium slowed actin gliding (∼200 nm/s) without an apparent effect on CaM affinity. Furthermore, we show that small ensembles of Myo19 motors attached to quantum dots can undergo processive runs over several microns, and that calcium reduces the attachment frequency and run length of Myo19. Together, our data are consistent with a model where a few single-headed Myo19 molecules attached to a mitochondrion can sustain prolonged motile associations with actin in a CaM- and calcium-dependent manner. Based on these properties, we propose that Myo19 can function in mitochondria transport along actin filaments, tension generation on multiple randomly oriented filaments, and/or pushing against branched actin networks assembled near the membrane surface.

Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome-Associated MYO1E Mutations Have Differential Effects on Myosin 1e Localization, Dynamics, and Activity

BACKGROUND

Myo1e is a nonmuscle motor protein enriched in podocytes. Mutations in MYO1E are associated with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Most of the MYO1E variants identified by genomic sequencing have not been functionally characterized. Here, we set out to analyze two mutations in the Myo1e motor domain, T119I and D388H, which were selected on the basis of protein sequence conservation.

METHODS

EGFP-tagged human Myo1e constructs were delivered into the Myo1e-KO mouse podocyte-derived cells via adenoviral infection to analyze Myo1e protein stability, Myo1e localization, and clathrin-dependent endocytosis, which is known to involve Myo1e activity. Furthermore, truncated Myo1e constructs were expressed using the baculovirus expression system and used to measure Myo1e ATPase and motor activity in vitro.

RESULTS

Both mutants were expressed as full-length proteins in the Myo1e-KO cells. However, unlike wild-type (WT) Myo1e, the T119I variant was not enriched at the cell junctions or clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs). In contrast, D388H variant localization was similar to that of WT. The rate of dissociation of the D388H variant from cell-cell junctions and CCVs was decreased, suggesting this mutation affects Myo1e interactions with binding partners. ATPase activity and ability to translocate actin filaments were drastically reduced for the D388H mutant, supporting findings from cell-based experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

T119I and D388H mutations are deleterious to Myo1e functions. The experimental approaches used in this study can be applied to future characterization of novel MYO1E variants associated with SRNS.

Characterization of ancestral myosin XI from Marchantia polymorpha by heterologous expression in Arabidopsis thaliana

Previous studies have revealed duplications and diversification of myosin XI genes between angiosperms and bryophytes; however, the functional differentiation and conservation of myosin XI between them remain unclear. Here, we identified a single myosin XI gene from the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha (Mp). The molecular properties of Mp myosin XI are similar to those of Arabidopsis myosin XIs responsible for cytoplasmic streaming, suggesting that the motor function of myosin XI is able to generate cytoplasmic streaming. In cultured Arabidopsis cells, transiently expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP)-fused Mp myosin XI was observed as some intracellular structures moving along the F-actin. These intracellular structures were co-localized with motile endoplasmic reticulum (ER) strands, suggesting that Mp myosin XI binds to the ER and generates intracellular transport in Arabidopsis cells. The tail domain of Mp myosin XI was co-localized with that of Arabidopsis myosin XI-2 and XI-K, suggesting that all these myosin XIs bind to common cargoes. Furthermore, expression of GFP-fused Mp myosin XI rescued the defects of growth, cytoplasmic streaming and actin organization in Arabidopsis multiple myosin XI knockout mutants. The heterologous expression experiments demonstrated the cellular and physiological competence of Mp myosin XI in Arabidopsis. However, the average velocity of organelle transport in Marchantia rhizoids was 0.04 ± 0.01 μm s-1 , which is approximately one-hundredth of that in Arabidopsis cells. Taken together, our results suggest that the molecular properties of myosin XI are conserved, but myosin XI-driven intracellular transport in vivo would be differentiated from bryophytes to angiosperms.

Myosins and Disease

Myosins constitute a superfamily of actin-based molecular motor proteins that mediates a variety of cellular activities including muscle contraction, cell migration, intracellular transport, the formation of membrane projections, cell adhesion, and cell signaling. The 12 myosin classes that are expressed in humans share sequence similarities especially in the N-terminal motor domain; however, their enzymatic activities, regulation, ability to dimerize, binding partners, and cellular functions differ. It is becoming increasingly apparent that defects in myosins are associated with diseases including cardiomyopathies, colitis, glomerulosclerosis, neurological defects, cancer, blindness, and deafness. Here, we review the current state of knowledge regarding myosins and disease.

The Myosin Family of Mechanoenzymes: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Approaches

Myosins are among the most fascinating enzymes in biology. As extremely allosteric chemomechanical molecular machines, myosins are involved in myriad pivotal cellular functions and are frequently sites of mutations leading to disease phenotypes. Human β-cardiac myosin has proved to be an excellent target for small-molecule therapeutics for heart muscle diseases, and, as we describe here, other myosin family members are likely to be potentially unique targets for treating other diseases as well. The first part of this review focuses on how myosins convert the chemical energy of ATP hydrolysis into mechanical movement, followed by a description of existing therapeutic approaches to target human β-cardiac myosin. The next section focuses on the possibility of targeting nonmuscle members of the human myosin family for several diseases. We end the review by describing the roles of myosin in parasites and the therapeutic potential of targeting them to block parasitic invasion of their hosts.

Human myosin 1e tail but not motor domain replaces fission yeast Myo1 domains to support myosin-I function during endocytosis

In both unicellular and multicellular organisms, long-tailed class I myosins function in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Myosin 1e (Myo1e) in vertebrates and Myo1 in fission yeast have similar domain organization, yet whether these proteins or their individual protein domains are functionally interchangeable remains unknown. In an effort to assess functional conservation of class I myosins, we tested whether human Myo1e could replace Myo1 in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and found that it was unable to substitute for yeast Myo1. To determine if any individual protein domain is responsible for the inability of Myo1e to function in yeast, we created human-yeast myosin-I chimeras. By functionally testing these chimeric myosins in vivo, we concluded that the Myo1e motor domain is unable to function in yeast, even when combined with the yeast Myo1 tail and a full complement of yeast regulatory light chains. Conversely, the Myo1e tail, when attached to the yeast Myo1 motor domain, supports localization to endocytic actin patches and partially rescues the endocytosis defect in myo1Δ cells. Further dissection showed that both the TH1 and TH2-SH3 domains in the human Myo1e tail are required for localization and function of chimeric myosin-I at endocytic sites. Overall, this study provides insights into the role of individual myosin-I domains, expands the utility of fission yeast as a simple model system to study the effects of disease-associated MYO1E mutations, and supports a model of co-evolution between a myosin motor and its actin track.

The S. pombe adaptor protein Bbc1 regulates localization of Wsp1 and Vrp1 during endocytic actin patch assembly

Arp2/3 complex-nucleated branched actin networks provide the key force necessary for endocytosis. The Arp2/3 complex is activated by nucleation-promoting factors including the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (Wsp1) and myosin-1 (Myo1). There are >40 known yeast endocytic proteins with distinct spatial and temporal localizations and functions; however, it is still unclear how these proteins work together to drive endocytosis. Here, we used quantitative live-cell imaging to determine the function of the uncharacterized S. pombe protein Bbc1. We discovered that Myo1 interacts with and recruits Bbc1 to sites of endocytosis. Bbc1 competes with the verprolin Vrp1 for localization to patches and association with Myo1, thus releasing Vrp1 and its binding partner Wsp1 from Myo1. Normally Myo1 remains at the base of the endocytic invagination and Vrp1-Wsp1 internalizes with the endocytic vesicle. However, in the absence of Bbc1, a portion of Vrp1-Wsp1 remains with Myo1 at the base of the invagination, and endocytic structures internalize twice as far. We propose that Bbc1 disrupts a transient interaction of Myo1 with Vrp1 and Wsp1 and thereby limits Arp2/3 complex-mediated nucleation of actin branches at the plasma membrane.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Myosin-1E interacts with FAK proline-rich region 1 to induce fibronectin-type matrix

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase involved in development and human disease, including cancer. It is currently thought that the four-point one, ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM)-kinase domain linker, which contains autophosphorylation site tyrosine (Y) 397, is not required for in vivo FAK function until late midgestation. Here, we directly tested this hypothesis by generating mice with FAK Y397-to-phenylalanine (F) mutations in the germline. We found that Y397F embryos exhibited reduced mesodermal fibronectin (FN) and osteopontin expression and died during mesoderm development akin to FAK kinase-dead mice. We identified myosin-1E (MYO1E), an actin-dependent molecular motor, to interact directly with the FAK FERM-kinase linker and induce FAK kinase activity and Y397 phosphorylation. Active FAK in turn accumulated in the nucleus where it led to the expression of osteopontin and other FN-type matrix in both mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human melanoma. Our data support a model in which FAK Y397 autophosphorylation is required for FAK function in vivo and is positively regulated by MYO1E.

Myosins: Domain Organisation, Motor Properties, Physiological Roles and Cellular Functions

Myosins are cytoskeletal motor proteins that use energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to generate force and movement along actin filaments. Humans express 38 myosin genes belonging to 12 classes that participate in a diverse range of crucial activities, including muscle contraction, intracellular trafficking, cell division, motility, actin cytoskeletal organisation and cell signalling. Myosin malfunction has been implicated a variety of disorders including deafness, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Usher syndrome, Griscelli syndrome and cancer. In this chapter, we will first discuss the key structural and kinetic features that are conserved across the myosin family. Thereafter, we summarise for each member in turn its unique functional and structural adaptations, cellular roles and associated pathologies. Finally, we address the broad therapeutic potential for pharmacological interventions that target myosin family members.

Myosin-I molecular motors at a glance

Myosin-I molecular motors are proposed to play various cellular roles related to membrane dynamics and trafficking. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we review and illustrate the proposed cellular functions of metazoan myosin-I molecular motors by examining the structural, biochemical, mechanical and cell biological evidence for their proposed molecular roles. We highlight evidence for the roles of myosin-I isoforms in regulating membrane tension and actin architecture, powering plasma membrane and organelle deformation, participating in membrane trafficking, and functioning as a tension-sensitive dock or tether. Collectively, myosin-I motors have been implicated in increasingly complex cellular phenomena, yet how a single isoform accomplishes multiple types of molecular functions is still an active area of investigation. To fully understand the underlying physiology, it is now essential to piece together different approaches of biological investigation. This article will appeal to investigators who study immunology, metabolic diseases, endosomal trafficking, cell motility, cancer and kidney disease, and to those who are interested in how cellular membranes are coupled to the underlying actin cytoskeleton in a variety of different applications.

Structural Basis of Cargo Recognition by Unconventional Myosins in Cellular Trafficking

Unconventional myosins are a superfamily of actin-based molecular motors playing diverse roles including cellular trafficking, mechanical supports, force sensing and transmission, etc. The variable neck and tail domains of unconventional myosins function to bind to specific cargoes including proteins and lipid vesicles and thus are largely responsible for the diverse cellular functions of myosins in vivo. In addition, the tail regions, together with their cognate cargoes, can regulate activities of the motor heads. This review outlines the advances made in recent years on cargo recognition and cargo binding-induced regulation of the activity of several unconventional myosins including myosin-I, V, VI and X in cellular trafficking. We approach this topic by describing a series of high-resolution structures of the neck and tail domains of these unconventional myosins either alone or in complex with their specific cargoes, and by discussing potential implications of these structural studies on cellular trafficking of these myosin motors.

Myosin 1E localizes to actin polymerization sites in lamellipodia, affecting actin dynamics and adhesion formation

Because the actin network in active lamellipodia is continuously assembling at the edge, moving inward and disassembling, there is a question as to how actin-binding proteins and other components are transported to the leading edge and how nascent adhesions are stabilized. Active transport could play a significant role in these functions but the components involved are unknown. We show here that Myosin 1E (a long tailed Myosin 1 isoform) rapidly moves to the tips of active lamellipodia and to actin-rich early adhesions, unlike Myosin 1G, 1B or 1C (short tailed isoforms). Myosin 1E co-localizes with CARMIL, FHOD1, Arp3 and β3-integrin in those early adhesions. But these structures precede stable paxillin-rich adhesions. Myosin 1E movement depends upon actin-binding domains and the presence of an SH3 oligomerization domain. Overexpression of a Myosin 1E deletion mutant without the extreme C-terminal interacting (SH3) domain (Myosin 1EΔSH3) increases edge fluctuations and decreases stable adhesion lifetimes. In contrast, overexpression of Myosin 1E full tail domain (TH1+TH2+TH3/SH3) decreases edge fluctuation. In Myosin 1E knockdown cells, and more prominently in cells treated with Myosin 1 inhibitor, cell-matrix adhesions are also short-lived and fail to mature. We suggest that, by moving to actin polymerization sites and early adhesion sites in active lamellipodia, Myosin 1E might play important roles in transporting not only important polymerizing proteins but also proteins involved in adhesion stabilization.

Regulation and control of myosin-I by the motor and light chain-binding domains

Members of the myosin-I family of molecular motors are expressed in many eukaryotes, where they are involved in a multitude of critical processes. Humans express eight distinct members of the myosin-I family, making it the second largest family of myosins expressed in humans. Despite the high degree of sequence conservation in the motor and light chain-binding domains (LCBDs) of these myosins, recent studies have revealed surprising diversity of function and regulation arising from isoform-specific differences in these domains. Here we review the regulation of myosin-I function and localization by the motor and LCBDs.

Calcium-induced mechanical change in the neck domain alters the activity of plant myosin XI

Plant myosin XI functions as a motor that generates cytoplasmic streaming in plant cells. Although cytoplasmic streaming is known to be regulated by intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, the molecular mechanism underlying this control is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the mechanism of regulation of myosin XI by Ca(2+) at the molecular level. Actin filaments were easily detached from myosin XI in an in vitro motility assay at high Ca(2+) concentration (pCa 4) concomitant with the detachment of calmodulin light chains from the neck domains. Electron microscopic observations showed that myosin XI at pCa 4 shortened the neck domain by 30%. Single-molecule analysis revealed that the step size of myosin XI at pCa 4 was shortened to 27 nm under low load and to 22 nm under high load compared with 35 nm independent of the load for intact myosin XI. These results indicate that modulation of the mechanical properties of the neck domain is a key factor for achieving the Ca(2+)-induced regulation of cytoplasmic streaming.

Regulated offloading of cytoplasmic dynein from microtubule plus ends to the cortex

Cytoplasmic dynein mediates spindle orientation from the cell cortex through interactions with astral microtubules, but neither the mechanism governing its cortical targeting nor the regulation thereof is well understood. Here we show that yeast dynein offloads from microtubule plus ends to the daughter cell cortex. Mutants with an engineered peptide inserted between the tail domain and the motor head retain wild-type motor activity but exhibit enhanced offloading and cortical targeting. Conversely, shortening the "neck" sequence between the tail and motor domains precludes offloading from the microtubule plus ends. Furthermore, chimeric mutants with mammalian dynein "neck" sequences rescue targeting and function. These findings provide direct support for an active microtubule-mediated delivery process that appears to be regulated by a conserved masking/unmasking mechanism.

Identification of calmodulin and MlcC as light chains for Dictyostelium myosin-I isozymes

Dictyostelium discoideum express seven single-headed myosin-I isozymes (MyoA-MyoE and MyoK) that drive motile processes at the cell membrane. The light chains for MyoA and MyoE were identified by expressing Flag-tagged constructs consisting of the motor domain and the two IQ motifs in the neck region in Dictyostelium. The MyoA and MyoE constructs both copurified with calmodulin. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) showed that apo-calmodulin bound to peptides corresponding to the MyoA and MyoE IQ motifs with micromolar affinity. In the presence of calcium, calmodulin cross-linked two IQ motif peptides, with one domain binding with nanomolar affinity and the other with micromolar affinity. The IQ motifs were required for the actin-activated MgATPase activity of MyoA but not MyoE; however, neither myosin exhibited calcium-dependent activity. A Flag-tagged construct consisting of the MyoC motor domain and the three IQ motifs in the adjacent neck region bound a novel 8.6 kDa two EF-hand protein named MlcC, for myosin light chain for MyoC. MlcC is most similar to the C-terminal domain of calmodulin but does not bind calcium. ITC studies showed that MlcC binds IQ1 and IQ2 but not IQ3 of MyoC. IQ3 contains a proline residue that may render it nonfunctional. Each long-tailed Dictyostelium myosin-I has now been shown to have a unique light chain (MyoB-MlcB, MyoC-MlcC, and MyoD-MlcD), whereas the short-tailed myosins-I, MyoA and MyoE, have the multifunctional calmodulin as a light chain. The diversity in light chain composition is likely to contribute to the distinct cellular functions of each myosin-I isozyme.

Myosin-1C associates with microtubules and stabilizes the mitotic spindle during cell division

The mitotic spindle in eukaryotic cells is composed of a bipolar array of microtubules (MTs) and associated proteins that are required during mitosis for the correct partitioning of the two sets of chromosomes to the daughter cells. In addition to the well-established functions of MT-associated proteins (MAPs) and MT-based motors in cell division, there is increasing evidence that the F-actin-based myosin motors are important mediators of F-actin-MT interactions during mitosis. Here, we report the functional characterization of the long-tailed class-1 myosin myosin-1C from Dictyostelium discoideum during mitosis. Our data reveal that myosin-1C binds to MTs and has a role in maintenance of spindle stability for accurate chromosome separation. Both myosin-1C motor function and tail-domain-mediated MT-F-actin interactions are required for the cell-cycle-dependent relocalization of the protein from the cell periphery to the spindle. We show that the association of myosin-1C with MTs is mediated through the tail domain. The myosin-1C tail can inhibit kinesin motor activity, increase the stability of MTs, and form crosslinks between MTs and F-actin. These data illustrate that myosin-1C is involved in the regulation of MT function during mitosis in D. discoideum.

Principles of unconventional myosin function and targeting

Unconventional myosins are a superfamily of actin-based motors implicated in diverse cellular processes. In recent years, much progress has been made in describing their biophysical properties, and headway has been made into analyzing their cellular functions. Here, we focus on the principles that guide in vivo motor function and targeting to specific cellular locations. Rather than describe each motor comprehensively, we outline the major themes that emerge from research across the superfamily and use specific examples to illustrate each. In presenting the data in this format, we seek to identify open questions in each field as well as to point out commonalities between them. To advance our understanding of myosins' roles in vivo, clearly we must identify their cellular cargoes and the protein complexes that regulate motor attachment to fully appreciate their functions on the cellular and developmental levels.

Leveraging the membrane - cytoskeleton interface with myosin-1

Class 1 myosins are small motor proteins with the ability to simultaneously bind to actin filaments and cellular membranes. Given their ability to generate mechanical force, and their high prevalence in many cell types, these molecules are well positioned to carry out several important biological functions at the interface of membrane and the actin cytoskeleton. Indeed, recent studies implicate these motors in endocytosis, exocytosis, release of extracellular vesicles, and the regulation of tension between membrane and the cytoskeleton. Many class 1 myosins also exhibit a load-dependent mechano-chemical cycle that enables them to maintain tension for long periods of time without hydrolyzing ATP. These properties put myosins-1 in a unique position to regulate dynamic membrane-cytoskeleton interactions and respond to physical forces during these events.

Calmodulin-binding proteins in the model organism Dictyostelium: a complete & critical review

Calmodulin is an essential protein in the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum. As in other organisms, this small, calcium-regulated protein mediates a diversity of cellular events including chemotaxis, spore germination, and fertilization. Calmodulin works in a calcium-dependent or -independent manner by binding to and regulating the activity of target proteins called calmodulin-binding proteins. Profiling suggests that Dictyostelium has 60 or more calmodulin-binding proteins with specific subcellular localizations. In spite of the central importance of calmodulin, the study of these target proteins is still in its infancy. Here we critically review the history and state of the art of research into all of the identified and presumptive calmodulin-binding proteins of Dictyostelium detailing what is known about each one with suggestions for future research. Two individual calmodulin-binding proteins, the classic enzyme calcineurin A (CNA; protein phosphatase 2B) and the nuclear protein nucleomorphin (NumA), which is a regulator of nuclear number, have been particularly well studied. Research on the role of calmodulin in the function and regulation of the various myosins of Dictyostelium, especially during motility and chemotaxis, suggests that this is an area in which future active study would be particularly valuable. A general, hypothetical model for the role of calmodulin in myosin regulation is proposed.

Myosin 1E interacts with synaptojanin-1 and dynamin and is involved in endocytosis

Myosin 1E is one of two "long-tailed" human Class I myosins that contain an SH3 domain within the tail region. SH3 domains of yeast and amoeboid myosins I interact with activators of the Arp2/3 complex, an important regulator of actin polymerization. No binding partners for the SH3 domains of myosins I have been identified in higher eukaryotes. In the current study, we show that two proteins with prominent functions in endocytosis, synaptojanin-1 and dynamin, bind to the SH3 domain of human Myo1E. Myosin 1E co-localizes with clathrin- and dynamin-containing puncta at the plasma membrane and this co-localization requires an intact SH3 domain. Expression of Myo1E tail, which acts in a dominant-negative manner, inhibits endocytosis of transferrin. Our findings suggest that myosin 1E may contribute to receptor-mediated endocytosis.

The N-terminal lobes of both regulatory light chains interact with the tail domain in the 10 S-inhibited conformation of smooth muscle myosin

In the presence of ATP, unphosphorylated smooth muscle myosin can form a catalytically inactive monomer that sediments at 10 Svedbergs (10 S). The tail of 10 S bends into thirds and interacts with the regulatory domain. ADP-P(i) is "trapped" at the active site, and consequently the ATPase activity is extremely low. We are interested in the structural basis for maintenance of this off state. Our prior photocross-linking work with 10 S showed that tail residues 1554-1583 are proximal to position 108 in the C-terminal lobe of one of the two regulatory light chains ( Olney, J. J., Sellers, J. R., and Cremo, C. R. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 20375-20384 ). These data suggested that the tail interacts with only one of the two regulatory light chains. Here we present data, using a photocross-linker on position 59 on the N-terminal lobe of the regulatory light chain (RLC), demonstrating that both regulatory light chains of a single molecule can cross-link to the light meromyosin portion of the tail. Mass spectrometric data show four specific cross-linked regions spanning residues 1428-1571 in the light meromyosin portion of the tail, consistent with cross-linking two RLC to one light meromyosin. In addition, we find that position 59 can cross-link internally to residues 42-45 within the same RLC subunit. The internal cross-link only forms in 10 S and not in unphosphorylated heavy meromyosin (lacking the light meromyosin), suggesting a structural rearrangement within the RLC attributed to the interaction of the tail with the head.

Kinetic mechanism of myosin IXB and the contributions of two class IX-specific regions

Myosin IXb (Myo9b) was reported to be a single-headed, processive myosin. In its head domain it contains an N-terminal extension and a large loop 2 insertion that are specific for class IX myosins. We characterized the kinetic properties of purified, recombinant rat Myo9b, and we compared them with those of Myo9b mutants that had either the N-terminal extension or the loop 2 insertion deleted. Unlike other processive myosins, Myo9b exhibited a low affinity for ADP, and ADP release was not rate-limiting in the ATPase cycle. Myo9b is the first myosin for which ATP hydrolysis or an isomerization step after ATP binding is rate-limiting. Myo9b-ATP appeared to be in a conformation with a weak affinity for actin as determined by pyrene-actin fluorescence. However, in actin cosedimentation experiments, a subpopulation of Myo9b-ATP bound F-actin with a remarkably high affinity. Deletion of the N-terminal extension reduced actin affinity and increased the rate of nucleotide binding. Deletion of the loop 2 insertion reduced the actin affinity and altered the communication between actin and nucleotide-binding sites.

The two IQ-motifs and Ca2+/calmodulin regulate the rat myosin 1d ATPase activity

The light chain binding domain of rat myosin 1d consists of two IQ-motifs, both of which bind the light chain calmodulin (CaM). To analyze the Myo1d ATPase activity as a function of the IQ-motifs and Ca2+/CaM binding, we expressed and affinity purified the Myo1d constructs Myo1d-head, Myo1d-IQ1, Myo1d-IQ1.2, Myo1d-IQ2 and Myo1dDeltaLV-IQ2. IQ1 exhibited a high affinity for CaM both in the absence and presence of free Ca2+. IQ2 had a lower affinity for CaM in the absence of Ca2+ than in the presence of Ca2+. The actin-activated ATPase activity of Myo1d was approximately 75% inhibited by Ca2+-binding to CaM. This inhibition was observed irrespective of whether IQ1, IQ2 or both IQ1 and IQ2 were fused to the head. Based on the measured Ca2+-dependence, we propose that Ca2+-binding to the C-terminal pair of high affinity sites in CaM inhibits the Myo1d actin-activated ATPase activity. This inhibition was due to a conformational change of the C-terminal lobe of CaM remaining bound to the IQ-motif(s). Interestingly, a similar but Ca2+-independent inhibition of Myo1d actin-activated ATPase activity was observed when IQ2, fused directly to the Myo1d-head, was rotated through 200 degrees by the deletion of two amino acids in the lever arm alpha-helix N-terminal to the IQ-motif.

The transcriptional profile of the kidney in Tsc2 heterozygous mutant Long Evans (Eker) rats compared to wild-type

Hereditary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in Eker rats results from an inherited insertional mutation in the Tsc2 tumor suppressor gene and provides a valuable experimental model to characterize the function of the Tsc2 gene product, tuberin in vivo. The Tsc2 mutation predisposes the Eker rat to develop renal tumors at an early age. The exact mechanism of Tsc2 mediated tumor suppression is not known, however, there is evidence that it is most likely mediated by changes in cell cycle regulation via the PI3K/Akt pathway. The present study was designed to identify if gene expression was different in Tsc2 heterozygous mutant rat kidney compared to wild-type and if any of those differences are associated with tumorigenesis. cDNA microarray analysis of the untreated Tsc2 (+/-) mutant Long Evans (Eker) rat was compared to the Tsc2 (+/+) wild-type Long Evans rat to search for patterns that might be indicative of the intrinsic role of Tsc2. Of 4395 genes queried, 3.2% were significantly altered in kidneys from heterozygous mutant rats, of which 110 (76%) were up-regulated and 34 (24%) were down-regulated relative to the wild-type. The genes with altered expression belonged to the functional categories of cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation, cell adhesion and endocytosis. Many of these genes appear to be directly or indirectly regulated by the PI3K/Akt pathway. In addition to the PI3K/Akt pathway, other signaling pathways were also differentially expressed in Tsc2 mutant Eker rat kidneys compared to wild-type rats. The gene expression profiles of the Tsc2 heterozygous mutant and wild-type animals highlights new pathways for investigation that may be associated with the tumorigenic activity of tuberin loss and correlate with the enhanced susceptibility of the Tsc2 mutant animal's tendency to develop renal cell carcinoma.

Regulated conformation of myosin V

We have found that myosin V, an important actin-based vesicle transporter, has a folded conformation that is coupled to inhibition of its enzymatic activity in the absence of cargo and Ca(2+). In the absence of Ca(2+) where the actin-activated MgATPase activity is low, purified brain myosin V sediments in the analytical ultracentrifuge at 14 S as opposed to 11 S in the presence of Ca(2+) where the activity is high. At high ionic strength it sediments at 10 S independent of Ca(2+), and its regulation is poor. These data are consistent with myosin V having a compact, inactive conformation in the absence of Ca(2+) and an extended conformation in the presence of Ca(2+) or high ionic strength. Electron microscopy reveals that in the absence of Ca(2+) the heads and tail are both folded to give a triangular shape, very different from the extended appearance of myosin V at high ionic strength. A recombinant myosin V heavy meromyosin fragment that is missing the distal portion of the tail domain is not regulated by calcium and has only a small change in sedimentation coefficient, which is in the opposite direction to that seen with intact myosin V. Electron microscopy shows that its heads are extended even in the absence of calcium. These data suggest that interaction between the motor and cargo binding domains may be a general mechanism for shutting down motor protein activity and thereby regulating the active movement of vesicles in cells.

The Dictyostelium class I myosin, MyoD, contains a novel light chain that lacks high-affinity calcium-binding sites

Dictyostelium discoideum MyoD, a long-tailed class I myosin, co-purified with two copies of a 16 kDa light chain. Sequence analysis of the MyoD light chain showed it to be a unique protein, termed MlcD, that shares 44% sequence identity with Dictyostelium calmodulin and 43% sequence identity with Acanthamoeba castellanii myosin IC light chain. MlcD comprises four EF-hands; however, EF-hands 2-4 contain mutations in key Ca2+-co-ordinating residues that would be predicted to impair Ca2+ binding. Electrospray ionization MS of MlcD in the presence of Ca2+ and La3+ showed the presence of one major and one minor metal-binding site. MlcD contains a single tryptophan residue (Trp39), the fluorescence intensity of which was quenched upon addition of Ca2+ or Mg2+, yielding apparent dissociation constants ( K'(d)) of 52 microM for Ca2+ and 450 microM for Mg2+. The low affinity of MlcD for Ca2+ indicates that it cannot function as a sensor of physiological Ca2+. Ca2+ did not affect the binding of MlcD to MyoD or to either of the two MyoD IQ (Ile-Gln) motifs. FLAG-MlcD expressed in Dictyostelium formed a complex with MyoD, but not with the two other long-tailed Dictyostelium myosin I isoenzymes, MyoB and MyoC. Through its specific association with the Ca2+-insensitive MlcD, MyoD may exhibit distinct regulatory properties that distinguish it from myosin I isoenzymes with calmodulin light chains.

Different degrees of lever arm rotation control myosin step size

Myosins are actin-based motors that are generally believed to move by amplifying small structural changes in the core motor domain via a lever arm rotation of the light chain binding domain. However, the lack of a quantitative agreement between observed step sizes and the length of the proposed lever arms from different myosins challenges this view. We analyzed the step size of rat myosin 1d (Myo1d) and surprisingly found that this myosin takes unexpectedly large steps in comparison to other myosins. Engineering the length of the light chain binding domain of rat Myo1d resulted in a linear increase of step size in relation to the putative lever arm length, indicative of a lever arm rotation of the light chain binding domain. The extrapolated pivoting point resided in the same region of the rat Myo1d head domain as in conventional myosins. Therefore, rat Myo1d achieves its larger working stroke by a large calculated approximately 90 degrees rotation of the light chain binding domain. These results demonstrate that differences in myosin step sizes are not only controlled by lever arm length, but also by substantial differences in the degree of lever arm rotation.

The kinetic mechanism of Myo1e (human myosin-IC)

Myo1e is the widely expressed subclass-1 member of the myosin-I family. We performed a kinetic analysis of a truncated myo1e that consists of the motor and the single IQ motif with a bound calmodulin. We determined the rates and equilibrium constants for the key steps in the ATPase cycle. The maximum actin activated ATPase rate (V(max)) and the actin concentration at half-maximum of V(max) (K(ATPase)) of myo1e are similar to those of the native protein. The K(ATPase) is low (approximately 1 microm), however the affinity of myo1e for actin in the presence of ATP is very weak. A weak actin affinity and a rapid rate of phosphate release result in a pathway under in vitro assay conditions in which phosphate is released while myo1e is dissociated from actin. Actin activation of the ATPase activity and the low K(ATPase) are the result of actin activation of ADP release. We propose that myo1e is tuned to function in regions of high concentrations of cross-linked actin filaments. Additionally, we found that ADP release from actomyo1e is > 10-fold faster than other vertebrate myosin-I isoforms. We propose that subclass-1 myosin-Is are tuned for rapid sliding, whereas subclass-2 isoforms are tuned for tension maintenance or stress sensing.

Calmodulin signaling via the IQ motif

The IQ motif is widely distributed in both myosins and non-myosins and is quite common in the database that includes more than 900 Pfam entries. An examination of IQ motif-containing proteins that are known to bind calmodulin (CaM) indicates a wide diversity of biological functions that parallel the Ca2+-dependent targets. These proteins include a variety of neuronal growth proteins, myosins, voltage-operated channels, phosphatases, Ras exchange proteins, sperm surface proteins, a Ras Gap-like protein, spindle-associated proteins and several proteins in plants. The IQ motif occurs in some proteins with Ca2+-dependent CaM interaction where it may promote Ca2+-independent retention of CaM. The action of the IQ motif may result in complex signaling as observed for myosins and the L-type Ca2+ channels and is highly localized as required for sites of neuronal polarized growth and plasticity, fertilization, mitosis and cytoskeletal organization. The IQ motif associated with the unconventional myosins also promotes Ca2+ regulation of the vectorial movement of cellular constituents to these sites. Additional regulatory roles for this versatile motif seem likely.

Regulation of molecular motor proteins

Motor proteins in the kinesin, dynein, and myosin superfamilies are tightly regulated to perform multiple functions in the cell requiring force generation. Although motor proteins within families are diverse in sequence and structure, there are general mechanisms by which they are regulated. We first discuss the regulation of the subset of kinesin family members for which such information exists, and then address general mechanisms of kinesin family regulation. We review what is known about the regulation of axonemal and cytoplasmic dyneins. Recent work on cytoplasmic dynein has revealed the existence of multiple isoforms for each dynein chain, making the study of dynein regulation more complicated than previously realized. Finally, we discuss the regulation of myosins known to be involved in membrane trafficking. Myosins and kinesins may be evolutionarily related, and there are common themes of regulation between these two classes of motors.

Regulation of Dictyostelium myosin I and II

Dictyostelium expresses 12 different myosins, including seven single-headed myosins I and one conventional two-headed myosin II. In this review we focus on the signaling pathways that regulate Dictyostelium myosin I and myosin II. Activation of myosin I is catalyzed by a Cdc42/Rac-stimulated myosin I heavy chain kinase that is a member of the p21-activated kinase (PAK) family. Evidence that myosin I is linked to the Arp2/3 complex suggests that pathways that regulate myosin I may also influence actin filament assembly. Myosin II activity is stimulated by a cGMP-activated myosin light chain kinase and inhibited by myosin heavy chain kinases (MHCKs) that block bipolar filament assembly. Known MHCKs include MHCK A and MHCK B, which have a novel type of kinase catalytic domain joined to a WD repeat domain, and MHC-protein kinase C (PKC), which contains both diacylglycerol kinase and PKC-related protein kinase catalytic domains. A Dictyostelium PAK (PAKa) acts indirectly to promote myosin II filament formation, suggesting that the MHCKs may be indirectly regulated by Rac GTPases.

Regulation and expression of metazoan unconventional myosins

Unconventional myosins are molecular motors that convert adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis into movement along actin filaments. On the basis of primary structure analysis, these myosins are represented by at least 15 distinct classes (classes 1 and 3-16), each of which is presumed to play a specific cellular role. However, in contrast to the conventional myosins-2, which drive muscle contraction and cytokinesis and have been studied intensively for many years in both uni- and multicellular organisms, unconventional myosins have only been subject to analysis in metazoan systems for a short time. Here we critically review what is known about unconventional myosin regulation, function, and expression. Several points emerge from this analysis. First, in spite of the high relative conservation of motor domains among the myosin classes, significant differences are found in biochemical and enzymatic properties of these motor domains. Second, the idea that characteristic distributions of unconventional myosins are solely dependent on the myosin tail domain is almost certainly an oversimplification. Third, the notion that most unconventional myosins function as transport motors for membranous organelles is challenged by recent data. Finally, we present a scheme that clarifies relationships between various modes of myosin regulation.

Genetic analysis of the Drosophila 63F early puff. Characterization of mutations in E63-1 and maggie, a putative Tom22

The 63F early puff in the larval salivary gland polytene chromosomes contains the divergently transcribed E63-1 and E63-2 ecdysone-inducible genes. E63-1 encodes a member of the EF-hand family of Ca(2+)-binding proteins, while E63-2 has no apparent open reading frame. To understand the functions of the E63 genes, we have determined the temporal and spatial patterns of E63-1 protein expression, as well as undertaken a genetic analysis of the 63F puff. We show that E63-1 is expressed in many embryonic and larval tissues, but the third-instar larval salivary gland is the only tissue where increases in protein levels correlate with increases in ecdysone titer. Furthermore, the subcellular distribution of E63-1 protein changes dynamically in the salivary glands at the onset of metamorphosis. E63-1 and E63-2 null mutations, however, have no effect on development or fertility. We have characterized 40 kb of the 63F region, defined as the interval between Ubi-p and E63-2, and have identified three lethal complementation groups that correspond to the dSc-2, ida, and mge genes. We show that mge mutations lead to first-instar larval lethality and that Mge protein is similar to the Tom22 mitochondrial import proteins of fungi, suggesting that it has a role in mitochondrial function.

Functional analysis of tail domains of Acanthamoeba myosin IC by characterization of truncation and deletion mutants

Acanthamoeba myosin IC has a single 129-kDa heavy chain and a single 17-kDa light chain. The heavy chain comprises a 75-kDa catalytic head domain with an ATP-sensitive F-actin-binding site, a 3-kDa neck domain, which binds a single 17-kDa light chain, and a 50-kDa tail domain, which binds F-actin in the presence or absence of ATP. The actin-activated MgATPase activity of myosin IC exhibits triphasic actin dependence, apparently as a consequence of the two actin-binding sites, and is regulated by phosphorylation of Ser-329 in the head. The 50-kDa tail consists of a basic domain, a glycine/proline/alanine-rich (GPA) domain, and a Src homology 3 (SH3) domain, often referred to as tail homology (TH)-1, -2, and -3 domains, respectively. The SH3 domain divides the TH-3 domain into GPA-1 and GPA-2. To define the functions of the tail domains more precisely, we determined the properties of expressed wild type and six mutant myosins, an SH3 deletion mutant and five mutants truncated at the C terminus of the SH3, GPA-2, TH-1, neck and head domains, respectively. We found that both the TH-1 and GPA-2 domains bind F-actin in the presence of ATP. Only the mutants that retained an actin-binding site in the tail exhibited triphasic actin-dependent MgATPase activity, in agreement with the F-actin-cross-linking model, but truncation reduced the MgATPase activity at both low and high actin concentrations. Deletion of the SH3 domain had no effect. Also, none of the tail domains, including the SH3 domain, affected either the K(m) or V(max) for the phosphorylation of Ser-329 by myosin I heavy chain kinase.

Regulation of the enzymatic and motor activities of myosin I

Myosins I were the first unconventional myosins to be purified and they remain the best characterized. They have been implicated in various motile processes, including organelle translocation, ion channel gating and cytoskeletal reorganization but their exact cellular functions are still unclear. All members of the myosin I family, from yeast to man, have three structural domains: a catalytic head domain that binds ATP and actin; a tail domain believed to be involved in targeting the myosins to specific subcellular locations and a junction or neck domain that connects them and interacts with light chains. In this review we discuss how each of these three domains contributes to the regulation of myosin I enzymatic activity, motor activity and subcellular localization.

Inhibition of duodenal enterocyte Mg2+-ATPase by arachidonic acid is not mediated by an effect on protein kinase C

Active absorption processes in the duodenal enterocyte are driven by various ATPases. It is known that the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase can be modulated by polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-6 series, for example by linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids. These effects may be achieved by protein phosphorylation via protein kinase C. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of arachidonic acid on Mg2+-ATPase (measured colorimetrically) activity in basolateral membranes prepared from rat duodenum. It shows, for the first time, significant dose-dependent inhibition of Mg2+-ATPase (26-62%) by arachidonic acid (10-50 microg/ml) which already takes place after one minute of exposure, indicating involvement of a rapid signal transduction mechanism. Addition of the protein kinase C inhibitors bisimidolylmaleimide (2.5 microM) and calphostin (0.5 microM) did not influence the action of arachidonic acid on Mg2+-ATPase; protein kinase C involvement in this process is thus not indicated.

Dictyostelium myosin IK is involved in the maintenance of cortical tension and affects motility and phagocytosis

Dictyostelium discoideum myosin Ik (MyoK) is a novel type of myosin distinguished by a remarkable architecture. MyoK is related to class I myosins but lacks a cargo-binding tail domain and carries an insertion in a surface loop suggested to modulate motor velocity. This insertion shows similarity to a secondary actin-binding site present in the tail of some class I myosins, and indeed a GST-loop construct binds actin. Probably as a consequence, binding of MyoK to actin was not only ATP- but also salt-dependent. Moreover, as both binding sites reside within its motor domain and carry potential sites of regulation, MyoK might represent a new form of actin crosslinker. MyoK was distributed in the cytoplasm with a significant enrichment in dynamic regions of the cortex. Absence of MyoK resulted in a drop of cortical tension whereas overexpression led to significantly increased tension. Absence and overexpression of MyoK dramatically affected the cortical actin cytoskeleton and resulted in reduced initial rates of phagocytosis. Cells lacking MyoK showed excessive ruffling, mostly in the form of large lamellipodia, accompanied by a thicker basal actin cortex. At early stages of development, aggregation of myoK null cells was slowed due to reduced motility. Altogether, the data indicate a distinctive role for MyoK in the maintenance and dynamics of the cell cortex.

Functions of unconventional myosins

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.

The COOH-terminal domain of Myo2p, a yeast myosin V, has a direct role in secretory vesicle targeting

MYO2 encodes a type V myosin heavy chain needed for the targeting of vacuoles and secretory vesicles to the growing bud of yeast. Here we describe new myo2 alleles containing conditional lethal mutations in the COOH-terminal tail domain. Within 5 min of shifting to the restrictive temperature, the polarized distribution of secretory vesicles is abolished without affecting the distribution of actin or the mutant Myo2p, showing that the tail has a direct role in vesicle targeting. We also show that the actin cable-dependent translocation of Myo2p to growth sites does not require secretory vesicle cargo. Although a fusion protein containing the Myo2p tail also concentrates at growth sites, this accumulation depends on the polarized delivery of secretory vesicles, implying that the Myo2p tail binds to secretory vesicles. Most of the new mutations alter a region of the Myo2p tail conserved with vertebrate myosin Vs but divergent from Myo4p, the myosin V involved in mRNA transport, and genetic data suggest that the tail interacts with Smy1p, a kinesin homologue, and Sec4p, a vesicle-associated Rab protein. The data support a model in which the Myo2p tail tethers secretory vesicles, and the motor transports them down polarized actin cables to the site of exocytosis.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit Mg2+ -ATPase in basolateral membranes from rat enterocytes

It is known that certain polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-6 family, for example linoleic and arachidonic acids, can activate both Na+, K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase. These enzymes drive active absorption processes in the duodenal enterocyte. This study presents data which show a 30-50% inhibition of Mg2+-ATPase activity in enterocyte basolateral membrane preparations by linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids (also a member of the n-6 family.) Mg2+-ATPase activity has several possible roles in the enterocyte: involvement in Mg2+ and Ca2+ absorption (as part of Ca2+-ATPase and also myosin I activity) as well as control of phospholipid distribution in the membrane by a class of Mg2+-ATPases called 'flippases'. The action of linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids on basolateral membrane Mg2+-ATPase may thus modulate several cellular transport processes.

The tail of a yeast class V myosin, myo2p, functions as a localization domain

Myo2p is a yeast class V myosin that functions in membrane trafficking. To investigate the function of the carboxyl-terminal-tail domain of Myo2p, we have overexpressed this domain behind the regulatable GAL1 promoter (MYO2DN). Overexpression of the tail domain of Myo2p results in a dominant-negative phenotype that is phenotypically similar to a temperature-sensitive allele of myo2, myo2-66. The tail domain of Myo2p is sufficient for localization at low- expression levels and causes mislocalization of the endogenous Myo2p from sites of polarized cell growth. Subcellular fractionation of polarized, mechanically lysed yeast cells reveals that Myo2p is present predominantly in a 100,000 x g pellet. The Myo2p in this pellet is not solubilized by Mg++-ATP or Triton X-100, but is solubilized by high salt. Tail overexpression does not disrupt this fractionation pattern, nor do mutations in sec4, sec3, sec9, cdc42, or myo2. These results show that overexpression of the tail domain of Myo2p does not compete with the endogenous Myo2p for assembly into a pelletable structure, but does compete with the endogenous Myo2p for a factor that is necessary for localization to the bud tip.

Unconventional myosins at the crossroad of signal transduction and cytoskeleton remodeling

The cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells is a complex milieu and unraveling how its unique cytoarchitecture is achieved and maintained is a central theme in modern cell biology. The actin cytoskeleton is essential for the maintenance of cell shape and locomotion, and also provides tracks for active intracellular transport. Myosins, the actin-dependent motor proteins form a superfamily of at least 15 structural classes and have been identified in a wide variety of organisms, making the presence of actin and myosins a hallmark feature of eukaryotes. Direct connections of myosins to a variety of cellular tasks are now emerging, such as in cytokinesis, phagocytosis, endocytosis, polarized secretion and exocytosis, axonal transport. Recent studies reveal that myosins also play an essential role in many aspects of signal transduction and neurosensation.

Light chain-dependent regulation of Kinesin's interaction with microtubules

We have investigated the mechanism by which conventional kinesin is prevented from binding to microtubules (MTs) when not transporting cargo. Kinesin heavy chain (HC) was expressed in COS cells either alone or with kinesin light chain (LC). Immunofluorescence microscopy and MT cosedimentation experiments demonstrate that the binding of HC to MTs is inhibited by coexpression of LC. Association between the chains involves the LC NH2-terminal domain, including the heptad repeats, and requires a region of HC that includes the conserved region of the stalk domain and the NH2 terminus of the tail domain. Inhibition of MT binding requires in addition the COOH-terminal 64 amino acids of HC. Interaction between the tail and the motor domains of HC is supported by sedimentation experiments that indicate that kinesin is in a folded conformation. A pH shift from 7.2 to 6.8 releases inhibition of kinesin without changing its sedimentation behavior. Endogenous kinesin in COS cells also shows pH-sensitive inhibition of MT binding. Taken together, our results provide evidence that a function of LC is to keep kinesin in an inactive ground state by inducing an interaction between the tail and motor domains of HC; activation for cargo transport may be triggered by a small conformational change that releases the inhibition of the motor domain for MT binding.

Targeting of the myosin-I myr 3 to intercellular adherens type junctions induced by dominant active Cdc42 in HeLa cells

Myr 3, a member of the myosin-I family from rat, is shown in this study to be localized at adherens-type intercellular junctions in epithelial and nonepithelial tissues. Formation of intercellular junctions and the accompanying recruitment of myr 3 to these junctions involves signaling by the Rho subfamily of small GTP-binding proteins. This conclusion is based on studies with HtTA-1 HeLa cells that were induced by overexpression of constitutively active Cdc42Hs to form typical adherens-type intercellular junctions enriched in cadherins (N-cadherin), beta-catenin, filamentous actin and myr 3. Recruitement of myr 3 to Cdc42-induced adherens junctions in HeLa cells was dependent on a short region of the tail domain and a functional myosin motor domain, but was independent of its myosin-I tail homology and SH3 regions. Overexpression of constitutively active Rac1 induced a distinct type of adherens junction in HeLa cells that was characterized by elaborate intercellular interdigitations enriched in N-cadherin, beta-catenin and F-actin. Myr 3 was often present, but not specifically enriched in the intercellular junctions induced by constitutively active Rac1.