Human Myosin Light Chain Kinase 3 (MYLK3) Protein

Background

Myosin light chain kinase 3 (MYLK3) is primarily expressed in cardiac muscle, where it plays a pivotal role in modulating heart muscle contraction and relaxation. Similar to MYLK2, MYLK3 phosphorylates the regulatory light chains of myosin II, facilitating efficient cross-bridge cycling and force production during cardiac cycles. MYLK3's activity is also dependent on calcium-calmodulin signaling, linking it to the intracellular calcium fluxes that drive cardiac contractility. MYLK3 is essential for maintaining myocardial function and is implicated in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure when dysregulated. Emerging research highlights MYLK3's involvement in sarcomere organization and its potential as a therapeutic target for improving cardiac performance in disease settings. Together, MYLK2 and MYLK3 underscore the critical and tissue-specific roles of myosin light chain kinases in muscle physiology.