Schistosoma myosin regulatory light chain (MLC) (MLC)

The Schistosoma myosin regulatory light chain (MLC) is a key regulatory subunit of the myosin II motor complex in Schistosoma species, such as S. mansoni and S. japonicum (UniProt P16256). It functions by binding to the neck region of the myosin heavy chain, where it modulates ATPase activity and force production in response to calcium-dependent signaling (PubMed: 2114368). This protein is essential for the parasite's muscle contraction, movement, and maintenance of the tegumental structure, which is vital for survival within the host's venous system (PubMed: 15811682). In the context of disease, MLC has been identified as a promising vaccine candidate due to its presence in the tegument and its ability to elicit protective immune responses in animal models (PubMed: 18468742). While the primary anthelmintic drug praziquantel is thought to target voltage-gated calcium channels, its administration leads to intense muscle contraction and tegumental blebbing, processes in which MLC phosphorylation plays a central role (PubMed: 6754457). Consequently, MLC and its associated regulatory kinases are considered potential targets for developing new schistosomicidal agents that disrupt parasite motility and physiological stability (PubMed: 25433552).

Other names

Myosin light chain 2Regulatory light chainSmMLCSjMLCMLC-219 kDa antigen

Regulation of myosin-actin interaction and muscle tension through calcium-mediated phosphorylation of the light chain.