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Three-dimensional structure of the myosinV inhibited state by cryoelectron tomography

The way in which the cargo-binding domain of full-length myosin V folds back to inhibit the motor domain can be clearly discerned.

Liu J et al (2006) Nature, April 16 (Epub)

New insights into myosin evolution and classification

A bang up-to-date myosin phylogenetic tree, and of more use to myosin researchers than the Richards and Cavalier-Smith one, which had a stronger emphasis on the nature of "the" ancestral eukaryote. Foth et al make full use of recently published protozoan genomes to expand the number of myosin classes to 24.

Foth JF et al (2006) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 103(10):3681-3686

Full-length myosin VI dimerizes and moves processively along actin filaments upon monomer clustering

The latest paper in the "is it or isn't it a dimer in vivo?" saga of myosin VI. Park et al cluster molecules of full-length myosin VI by means of antibodies or actin saturation and find that 17 % can dimerise.

Park H et al (2006) Mol. Cell 21:331-336

Structural basis for myosin V discrimination between distinct cargoes

UNQUESTIONABLY one of the most important papers to come out of the field in some time. Pashkova et al follow up their previous work on proteolytic subdomains of myosin V by obtaining the FIRST-EVER X-ray crystallographic structure of a myosin tail, specifically that of the yeast class V myosin, Myo2p. Required reading for all...

Pashkova N et al (2006) EMBO J. 25(4): 693-700

Melanophilin and myosin Va track the microtubule plus end on EB1

Melanophilin, part of the Rab27a-Myosin Va-melanophilin complex on the surface of melanosomes, is here revealed to be a microtubule plus end-trafficking protein (+TIP). The authors show that melanophilin can interact with the +TIP EB1, thereby hitching a ride to the cell periphery.

Wu XS et al (2005) J Cell Bio. 171(2):201-207

The structure of the myosin VI motor reveals the mechanism of directionality reversal

The 2.4 Angstrom crystal structure of the myosin VI motor domain. The role of the two unique inserts in modulating its catalytic activity and redirecting the lever arm to achieve reversal of directionality are starkly revealed.

Menetrey J et al (2005) Nature 435(7043):779-785

Reviews

Multiplying myosins

An overview of the Foth et al myosin superfamily phylogenetic tree, with useful comparative notes between that tree and the one derived by Richard and Cavalier-Smith.

Goodson HV and Dawson SC (2006) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 103(10): 3498-3499

Walking with myosin V

A good summary of myosin V biophysics, and a useful insight into the sort of methods and questions being applied to any myosin being studied in this area.

Sellers JR and Veigel C (2006) Curr. Opin. Cell Bio. 18:68-73

Actin and myosin I in the nucleus: what next?

A summary of what (little) is known about nuclear actin and myosin followed by speculation on function.

de Lanerolle et al (2005) Nat. Struct. Mol. Bio 12(9): 742-746

If you have spotted any papers or other news in the Myosin field that you wish to highlight, please send an e-mail with the details to Brooke Morriswood. Non-inclusion does not imply any critique of the work concerned.

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Last updated 2nd June 2006