Myosin light chain 5

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

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

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

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

• Myosin
• Motor protein
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy