The C-terminal tail region of nonmuscle myosin II directs isoform-specific distribution in migrating cells.

ABSTRACT: Nonmuscle myosin II isoforms A and B (hereafter, IIA and IIB) perform unique roles in cell migration, even though both isoforms share the same basic molecular functions. That IIA and IIB assume distinct subcellular distribution in migrating cells suggests that discrete spatiotemporal regulation of each isoform's activity may provide a basis for its unique migratory functions. Here, we make the surprising finding that swapping a small C-terminal portion of the tail between IIA and IIB inverts the distinct distribution of these isoforms in migrating cells. Moreover, swapping this region between isoforms also inverts their specific turnover properties, as assessed by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and Triton solubility. These data, acquired through the use of chimeras of IIA and I

SUBMITTER: Sandquist JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2592670 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature