MYL1 Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Myosin Light Chain 1 (MLC1) is a crucial component of the myosin motor protein complex, which plays a vital role in muscle contraction and various cellular processes. Myosin itself is a large hexameric protein composed of two heavy chains and two pairs of light chains: the essential or alkali myosin light chain 1 (MLC1) and the regulatory myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) .
MLC1 is a small polypeptide subunit of myosin, belonging to the EF-hand family of Ca²⁺-binding proteins . It contains two Ca²⁺-binding EF-hand motifs, which are essential for its function. The primary role of MLC1 is to stabilize the α-helical neck region of the myosin heavy chain (MHC) by binding in tandem where the myosin head attaches to the myosin tail . This stabilization is crucial for the proper assembly and function of the myosin motor protein.
The MYL1 gene encodes the myosin alkali light chain expressed in fast skeletal muscle . In humans, the MYL1 gene is localized to chromosome 2q32.1-qter . The gene produces two transcript variants, resulting in two alkali myosin light chains: MLC1f and MLC3f, which are differentially regulated throughout development .
MLC1, along with MLC2, contributes to the regulation of muscle contraction. Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is a Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinase that phosphorylates MLC2 to stimulate the interaction of myosin with actin thin filaments, leading to muscle contraction . Although MLC1 does not undergo phosphorylation like MLC2, it plays a structural role in stabilizing the myosin complex and ensuring efficient force transduction during muscle contraction .
Recombinant MLC1 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the MYL1 gene into an expression system, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce the protein in large quantities. This recombinant protein is used in various research applications to study muscle physiology, myosin function, and related diseases.
Mutations in the MYL1 gene have been associated with several muscle-related diseases, including congenital myopathy 14 and actin-accumulation myopathy . These conditions are characterized by muscle weakness and structural abnormalities in muscle fibers. Research on recombinant MLC1 helps in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases and developing potential therapeutic strategies.
