MYO7A

Myosin VIIA is protein that in humans is encoded by the MYO7A gene. Myosin VIIA is a member of the unconventional myosin superfamily of proteins. Myosins are actin binding molecular motors that use the enzymatic conversion of ATP - ADP + inorganic phosphate (Pi) to provide the energy for movement. Myosins are mechanochemical proteins characterized by the presence of a motor domain, an actin-binding domain, a neck domain that interacts with other proteins, and a tail domain that serves as an anchor. Myosin VIIA is an unconventional myosin with the longest tail (1360 aa). The tail is expected to dimerize, resulting in a two-headed molecule. Unconventional myosins have diverse functions in eukaryotic cells and are primarily thought to be involved in the movement or linkage of intra-cellular membranes and organelles to the actin cytoskeleton via interactions mediated by their highly divergent tail domains. MYO7A is expressed in a number of mammalian tissues, including testis, kidney, lung, inner ear, retina and the ciliated epithelium of the nasal mucosa.