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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Unconventional myosin-IXa (MYO9A)
- Target
- MYO9A
- Molecular classification
- Enzyme, Motor protein, Cytoskeletal protein
01
Overview
Unconventional myosin-IXa (MYO9A) is a member of the myosin superfamily, class IX, and functions as an atypical actin-dependent molecular motor protein that uniquely possesses a Rho-GTPase-activating (RhoGAP) domain in its tail. MYO9A can regulate actin cytoskeleton organization by cross-linking actin filaments into highly ordered lattices, playing critical roles in cell polarization, migration, and morphogenesis. It controls cell shape, junctional assembly, and differentiation, particularly in epithelial tissues such as the brain's ependyma. MYO9A deficiency leads to impaired epithelial development, abnormal Rho signaling, and transcriptional dysregulation (β-catenin, ZONAB), contributing to pathologies such as hydrocephalus and potentially certain cancers. Drugs targeting the Rho-kinase pathway can mitigate some consequences of MYO9A loss, attesting to its therapeutic relevance.
- Other names
- MYO9AMYR7Unconventional myosin-9aCMS24FLJ11061FLJ13244MGC71859Myosin-IXa
02
Mechanism of action
Inhibition of Rho-kinase (ROCK) downstream of MYO9A activity suppresses Rho-dependent signaling aberrations, restoring some epithelial differentiation and attenuating hydrocephalus formation
03
Biological functions
Regulation of actin cytoskeletonCell migrationCell polarizationRegulation of cell shape and differentiationRegulation of cell–cell junctionsRho GTPase signaling modulationTranscriptional regulation (via effects on β-catenin and ZONAB activity)
04
Disease associations
HydrocephalusCancerPotential involvement in developmental disorders and epithelial dysfunction
05
Safety considerations
No major safety concerns attributed directly to MYO9A targeting, but ROCK inhibition (therapeutic approach) needs monitoring for systemic side effects (fasudil and Y-27632 were well tolerated in studies)Functional compensation by other RhoGAPs may modulate therapeutic efficacy and specificity
06
Interacting drugs
ROCK inhibitors (e.g., Y-27632, fasudil)
07
Biomarkers
Increased phosphorylated myosin light-chain phosphataseAltered occludin (tight junction protein) associationβ-catenin activation (nuclear localization and transcriptional activation)Changes in ZONAB transcriptional activity
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