Mouse Myosin Light Chain Kinase 4 (MYLK4) Protein

Background

Myosin Light Chain Kinase 4 (MYLK4) is a member of the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) family, which are serine/threonine protein kinases that phosphorylate myosin light chains (MLC) to regulate actomyosin contractility and cytoskeletal dynamics. MYLK4, like other MYLK family members, plays a role in cellular processes involving actin-myosin interactions, including cell movement, shape maintenance, and intracellular transport. Structurally, MYLK4 contains kinase domains that share homology with other MLCKs but has notable differences in regulatory regions, including the lack of calmodulin-binding motifs typically found in other family members. This suggests MYLK4 might have a calcium-independent regulation mechanism, distinguishing it from classic MLCKs like MYLK1. MYLK4 is expressed in various tissues, including the skeletal muscle, brain, and reproductive organs, suggesting its involvement in diverse biological functions. Emerging evidence indicates its role in cytoskeletal remodeling, which is critical for processes like neuronal development and muscle maintenance. MYLK4’s expression in non-muscle tissues points to additional, less-defined regulatory roles in cellular signaling pathways.