The goal of the proposed project is to clarify the molecular mechanism of both function and regulation of mammalian class VI myosin. Our preliminary studies suggest that Ca 2+and phosphorylation by small G-protein down-stream protein kinases regulate the motor activity of myosin VI. We will first examine whether the specific phosphorylation of myosin VI occurs in cells, and then study the mechanism of Ca 2+ and/or phosphorylation mediated regulation of myosin VI motor activity. A recent study by others and us has revealed that class VI myosin is a processive motor that travels on actin filaments for a long distance without dissociating from actin. However, the mechanism by which myosin VI moves processively along actin filaments is not understood. We will address this problem by using various biophysical and electron microscopy techniques. The best approach to show the processive movement of myosin VI is the use of single molecule analysis. We will employ two techniques, i.e., mechanical measurement with optical trap nanometry, and direct visualization of the movement by total internal reflection (TIRF) microscopy. The rotational motion of myosin VI on actin will be monitored by visualizing the movement of beads attached to myosin VI on actin filament. The conformational changes of myosin VI during the mechanical cycle will be studied by single molecule polarization TIRF microscopy that measures the angular change of myosin head. The overall structural change of myosin VI with 0.1 nm resolution will be monitored by X-ray solution scattering. The structure of the two-headed myosin VI on actin filament will be studied by 3D image reconstitution of the myosin VI decorated actin filaments with cryo-electron microscopy. We will also determine the structural motifs responsible for the processivity and reverse directionality of myosin VI by analyzing the motor properties of the variants in which each structural motif is changed by genetic engineering technology. In order to achieve this goal, we will use recombinant DNA technology to produce engineered myosin VI molecules. Particular regions of the myosin VI molecule that are hypothesized to be critical for the uniqueness and/or regulation of motor function will be modified and functionally expressed. The motor function will then be analyzed by enzymatic analysis, biophysical analysis and in vitro motility assay, ,with a particular emphasis on the single molecule assay system. The itemized specific aims are: 1. To determine the regulatory mechanisms of myosin VI motor function; 2) To define the structural changes of myosin VI during the ATP hydrolysis cycle; 3) To define the mechanism by which myosin VI moves processively along actin filaments; 4) To identify the molecular determinant of the directionality of myosin VI. ? ?
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