MYL2 Human

Myosin Light Chain 2 (MLC2), also known as myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC), is a crucial component of the myosin complex, which plays a significant role in muscle contraction and cellular motility. This article delves into the background, structure, function, and significance of Myosin Light Chain 2, particularly focusing on its human recombinant form.

Myosin is composed of six polypeptide chains: two identical heavy chains and two pairs of light chains. The light chains are categorized into essential light chains and regulatory light chains. Myosin Light Chain 2 falls under the regulatory light chain category. It has multiple isoforms depending on its distribution in different muscle types, including smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscles .

The primary function of Myosin Light Chain 2 is to regulate the myosin ATPase activity, which is essential for muscle contraction. In smooth muscle, MLC2 is phosphorylated at specific sites (Threonine 18 and Serine 19) by myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in a calcium/calmodulin-dependent manner . This phosphorylation event is crucial for initiating muscle contraction by activating myosin ATPase activity .

In cardiac muscle, MLC2 plays a vital role in regulating the kinetics of myosin cycling, torsion, and overall cardiac function. Phosphorylation of MLC2 in cardiac muscle is associated with various physiological and pathological conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy .

Recombinant Myosin Light Chain 2 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the gene encoding MLC2 into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast. This allows for the large-scale production of MLC2 for research and therapeutic purposes. The recombinant form retains the functional properties of the native protein, making it a valuable tool for studying muscle physiology and developing potential treatments for muscle-related disorders .

Myosin Light Chain 2 is extensively studied in the context of muscle physiology, cellular motility, and signal transduction pathways. Its role in muscle contraction makes it a critical target for understanding various muscle-related diseases and developing therapeutic interventions. For instance, mutations in the gene encoding MLC2 are associated with conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other cardiac abnormalities .

In research, recombinant MLC2 is used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle contraction and to screen potential drugs that can modulate its activity. Additionally, it serves as a valuable biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of muscle-related diseases .