The myosin light-chain kinase MLCK-1 relocalizes during Caenorhabditis elegans ovulation to promote actomyosin bundle assembly and drive contraction

Mol Biol Cell. 2018 Aug 8;29(16):1975-1991. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E18-01-0056. Epub 2018 Apr 5.

Abstract

We identify the Caenorhabditis elegans myosin light-chain kinase, MLCK-1, required for contraction of spermathecae. During contraction, MLCK-1 moves from the apical cell boundaries to the basal actomyosin bundles, where it stabilizes myosin downstream of calcium signaling. MLCK and ROCK act in distinct subsets of cells to coordinate the timing of contraction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actomyosin / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / cytology
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / chemistry
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Humans
  • Myosins / metabolism
  • Ovulation*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Structural Homology, Protein

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Actomyosin
  • Myosins