Structure-function Relationship of the Fastest Myosin

Abstract

It has been predicted that the fastest myosin in the biological world exists in alga Chara, but its identity has remained unknown. Recently, we succeeded in cloning the fastest myosin and characterized its amino acid sequence. We also we succeeded in solving the first atomic structure (2.8 Å resolution) of myosin 11, the fastest myosin class, using X-ray crystallography. Based on this crystal structure and mutation experiments, it appears that that the actin-binding region contributes to the fast movement of Chara myosin 11.