Control of myosin-I force sensing by alternative splicing

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Jan 12;107(2):698-702. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0911426107. Epub 2009 Dec 22.

Abstract

Myosin-Is are molecular motors that link cellular membranes to the actin cytoskeleton, where they play roles in mechano-signal transduction and membrane trafficking. Some myosin-Is are proposed to act as force sensors, dynamically modulating their motile properties in response to changes in tension. In this study, we examined force sensing by the widely expressed myosin-I isoform, myo1b, which is alternatively spliced in its light chain binding domain (LCBD), yielding proteins with lever arms of different lengths. We found the actin-detachment kinetics of the splice isoforms to be extraordinarily tension-sensitive, with the magnitude of tension sensitivity to be related to LCBD splicing. Thus, in addition to regulating step-size, motility rates, and myosin activation, the LCBD is a key regulator of force sensing. We also found that myo1b is substantially more tension-sensitive than other myosins with similar length lever arms, indicating that different myosins have different tension-sensitive transitions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Actins / chemistry
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Alternative Splicing / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Kinetics
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Myosin Type I / chemistry*
  • Myosin Type I / genetics*
  • Protein Isoforms / chemistry
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Rats
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Actins
  • Myo1b protein, rat
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Myosin Type I