Myosin-XVIIIb (MYO18B)

Myosin-XVIIIb (MYO18B) is an unconventional myosin and member of the myosin-18 family, highly expressed in striated muscle and involved in organizing the sarcomere—the fundamental contractile unit of muscle[1][2][3]. Unlike conventional myosins, it lacks classic ATP-dependent motor function, instead acting as a structural “glue” for actin and myosin bundles, facilitating actomyosin alignment and proper muscle development[1]. MYO18B also plays a mechanosensory role via the CaMKK2-AMPK-VASP pathway, is found broadly at low levels in various tissues, and can localize to the nucleus to regulate muscle-specific gene expression[1][2][3]. Mutations in MYO18B are associated with several muscle diseases and congenital anomalies, as well as loss of expression or mutation in certain cancers such as lung cancer[1][2][3]. No clinically approved drugs are known to directly target MYO18B.

Other names

Myosin-XVIIIbMYO18BKFS4BK125H2.1unconventional myosin-XVIIIbmyosin 18B