Overview:

LC20 is the myosin light chain that may regulate muscle contraction by modulating the ATPase activity of myosin heads (1). LC20 protein binds calcium and is activated by myosin light chain kinase. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for LC20 and the deduced 172-amino acid protein is highly conserved, with only 3 differences between the human and chicken proteins. Light chain phosphorylation causes the folded monomeric form of myosin to extend and assemble into filaments. This observation established the involvement of the LC20 in conformational transitions of smooth muscle myosin (2).

Gene Aliases:

MYL9, MGC3505, MLC2, MRLC1, MYRL2

Genbank Number:

BC055439

References:

1. Wagner, P D. et al: Regulation of the actin-activated ATPase of aorta smooth muscle myosin. J Biol Chem. 1986 Jun 15;261(17):7778-83.

2. Trybus, K M. et al: The regulatory light chain is required for folding of smooth muscle myosin. J Biol Chem. 1988 Nov 5;263(31):16485-92.