Myosin light chain 5

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Myosin light chain 5 (MLC5) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MYL5 gene. It is a member of the myosin family, which are motor proteins responsible for various types of movement in eukaryotic cells.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The MYL5 gene is located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 4 at position 14.2. The protein encoded by this gene is a light chain of myosin, which is a hexameric ATPase cellular motor protein. It is composed of two heavy chains, two nonphosphorylatable alkali light chains, and two phosphorylatable regulatory light chains.

Function[edit | edit source]

Myosin light chain 5, along with other myosin light chains, plays a role in the assembly and stability of the myosin II molecule, a key component of the cytoskeleton. Myosin II is involved in various cellular functions, including muscle contraction, cell motility, and maintenance of cell shape.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Alterations in the MYL5 gene or the protein it encodes can lead to various health conditions. For example, mutations in this gene have been associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD