Myosin 1b is an actin depolymerase

Nat Commun. 2019 Nov 15;10(1):5200. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-13160-y.

Abstract

The regulation of actin dynamics is essential for various cellular processes. Former evidence suggests a correlation between the function of non-conventional myosin motors and actin dynamics. Here we investigate the contribution of myosin 1b to actin dynamics using sliding motility assays. We observe that sliding on myosin 1b immobilized or bound to a fluid bilayer enhances actin depolymerization at the barbed end, while sliding on myosin II, although 5 times faster, has no effect. This work reveals a non-conventional myosin motor as another type of depolymerase and points to its singular interactions with the actin barbed end.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / enzymology
  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Actins / chemistry*
  • Actins / genetics
  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Myosin Type I / genetics
  • Myosin Type I / metabolism*
  • Myosin Type II / chemistry
  • Myosin Type II / genetics
  • Myosin Type II / metabolism
  • Polymerization
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • Actins
  • MYO1B protein, human
  • Myosin Type I
  • Myosin Type II