Myosin 2 - A general contractor for the cytoskeleton

Abstract

Cells derive their shape, and in turn much of their behavior, from the organization of the cytoskeleton. While a myriad of proteins contribute to the regulation and organization of this dynamic structure, two of the principal components are actin filaments, which provide the structure, and myosin motors, which generate the majority of the forces. Here we review recent results on the assembly and kinetics of non-muscle myosin 2, and highlight how the cellular environment modulates local myosin behavior and signaling.