Myosin VI, a new force in clathrin mediated endocytosis

FEBS Lett. 2001 Nov 23;508(3):295-9. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(01)03065-4.

Abstract

The integrity of the actin cytoskeleton and associated motor proteins are essential for the efficient functioning of clathrin mediated endocytosis at least in polarised cells. Myosin VI, the only motor protein so far identified that moves towards the minus end of actin filaments, is the first motor protein to be shown to associate with clathrin coated pits/vesicles at the plasma membrane and to modulate clathrin mediated endocytosis. Recent kinetic studies suggest that myosin VI may move processively along actin filaments providing clues about its functions in the cell. The possible role(s) of myosin VI in the sequential steps involved in receptor mediated endocytosis are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Polarity
  • Clathrin / physiology*
  • Clathrin-Coated Vesicles / metabolism
  • Coated Pits, Cell-Membrane / metabolism
  • Endocytosis*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / physiology*
  • Myosin Heavy Chains / chemistry
  • Myosin Heavy Chains / physiology*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism

Substances

  • Clathrin
  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • myosin VI
  • Myosin Heavy Chains