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Overview
Myosins are a superfamily of >50 proteins in humans. They function as actin-binding, ATP-dependent motor proteins and are responsible for actin-based cellular motility. Some myosins have cell-specific functions (e.g. muscle myosin) whilst other isoforms are ubiquitously expressed.
In humans, there are 12 subfamilies of myosin heavy chains, and two subfamilies of light chains (MYL).
How to cite this family page
Database page citation:
Myosin chains. Accessed on 16/06/2026. IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY, http://www.guidetopharmacology.org/GRAC/FamilyDisplayForward?familyId=1132.
Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY citation:
Alexander SPH, Fabbro D, Gibb AJ, Kelly E, Mathie AA, Peach CJ, Veale EL, Armstrong JF, Faccenda E, Harding SD, Southan C, Davies JA et al. (2025) The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2025/26: Enzymes. Br J Pharmacol. 182: S307-S403.
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