A one-headed class V myosin molecule develops multiple large (approximately 32-nm) steps successively

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 Jun 29;101(26):9630-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0402914101. Epub 2004 Jun 18.

Abstract

Class V myosin (myosin-V) was first found as a processive motor that moves along an actin filament with large ( approximately 36-nm) successive steps and plays an important role in cargo transport in cells. Subsequently, several other myosins have also been found to move processively. Because myosin-V has two heads with ATP- and actin-binding sites, the mechanism of successive movement has been generally explained based on the two-headed structure. However, the fundamental problem of whether the two-headed structure is essential for the successive movement has not been solved. Here, we measure motility of engineered myosin-V having only one head by optical trapping nanometry. The results show that a single one-headed myosin-V undergoes multiple successive large (approximately 32-nm) steps, suggesting that a novel mechanism is operating for successive myosin movement.

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / chemistry
  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Chickens
  • Models, Biological
  • Movement*
  • Myosin Type V / chemistry*
  • Myosin Type V / metabolism*
  • Protein Engineering
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Transport
  • Rabbits
  • Xenopus laevis

Substances

  • Actins
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Myosin Type V