MYL12B Human

Myosin Light Chain 12B (MYL12B), also known as Myosin Regulatory Light Chain 2 (MRLC2), is a protein encoded by the MYL12B gene in humans. This protein plays a crucial role in the regulation of muscle and non-muscle cell contractile activities. The recombinant form of MYL12B is produced using various biotechnological methods, often involving expression in E. coli.

The MYL12B gene is located on chromosome 18 and encodes a protein that consists of 196 amino acids with a molecular mass of approximately 22.3 kDa . The protein is characterized by its ability to bind calcium ions, which is essential for its regulatory functions .

MYL12B is a regulatory subunit of non-muscle myosin II. The activity of non-muscle myosin II is regulated by the phosphorylation of MYL12B. This phosphorylation increases the MgATPase activity and promotes the assembly of myosin II filaments . These processes are vital for various cellular activities, including cytokinesis, receptor capping, and cell locomotion .

MYL12B is involved in several critical biological pathways, such as:

• Cytoskeleton Remodeling: Regulation of actin cytoskeleton by Rho GTPases .
• Smooth Muscle Contraction: Phosphorylation of MYL12B triggers actin polymerization in vascular smooth muscle .
• Cell Motility and Division: Implicated in processes like cytokinesis and cell locomotion .

Mutations or dysregulation of MYL12B have been associated with various diseases, including:

• Dystonia 11, Myoclonic: A neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions .
• Premature Menopause: Early cessation of ovarian function leading to menopause .

The recombinant MYL12B protein is typically produced in E. coli as a single polypeptide chain. It is often fused with a His-tag at the N-terminus to facilitate purification using chromatographic techniques . This recombinant form is used in various research applications to study the protein’s function and interactions.