Members of the myosin superfamily are actin-based molecular motors that are
indispensable for cellular homeostasis. The vast functional and structural diversity of …

Unconventional myosins are multi-potent molecular motors that are assigned important roles
in fundamental cellular processes. Depending on their mechano-enzymatic properties and …

Class III myosins are unique members of the myosin superfamily in that they contain both a
motor and kinase domain. We have found that motor activity is decreased by …

Actin is a highly conserved and fundamental protein in eukaryotes and participates in a
broad spectrum of cellular functions. Cells maintain a conserved ratio of actin isoforms, with …

In Drosophila photoreceptors, the NINAC-encoded myosin III is found in a complex with a
small, MORN-repeat containing, protein Retinophilin (RTP). Expression of these two …

Motor activity of myosin III is regulated by autophosphorylation. To investigate the role of the
kinase activity on the transporter function of myosin IIIA (Myo3A), we identified the …

During hair cell development, the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) apparatus is
assembled at the stereocilia tips, where it coexists with the stereocilia actin regulatory …

In this dissertation, I characterize the origins, phylogenetic distribution, and function of
Follicle Cell Processes (FCP) in Class Chondrichthyes. FCP are actin associated tubes that …