Myosin heavy chain 11 (MYH11)

Myosin heavy chain 11 (MYH11) is a major contractile protein in smooth muscle cells, belonging to the myosin heavy chain family. It forms the backbone of the myosin II complex, enabling smooth muscle contraction by converting the chemical energy of ATP into mechanical force through actin-myosin interactions. MYH11 is essential for the mechanical function and structural integrity of organs and vessels lined by smooth muscle. Genetic alterations in MYH11 are implicated in thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, several forms of cancer (notably via fusion with CBFB in acute myeloid leukemia), and rare visceral myopathies. MYH11 mutations or dysregulation can also serve as disease biomarkers[1][2][3][5][6]. Direct pharmacological targeting of MYH11 is not a major strategy but modulation through upstream signaling pathways is of therapeutic interest.

Other names

Myosin-11KIAA0866SMMHCSMHCSMMS-1Myosin heavy chain, smooth muscle isoformAAT4FAA4VSCM2myosin-11epididymis secretory sperm binding proteinmyosin, heavy polypeptide 11, smooth muscleMYH11

Inhibiting actin-myosin interactions or myosin ATPase activity (not common as clinical approach); Modulation of contractility in smooth muscle cells via upstream pathway inhibitors (e.g., Rho kinase inhibitors)[2][5][6]