Abstract
We present the genomic and expressed myosin II sequences from the giant waterbug, Lethocerus indicus. The intron rich gene appears relatively ancient and contains six regions of mutually exclusive exons that are alternatively spliced. Alternatively spliced regions may be involved in the asymmetric myosin dimer structure known as the interacting heads motif, as well as stabilizing the interacting heads motif within the thick filament. A lack of negative charge in the myosin S2 domain may explain why Lethocerus thick filaments display a perpendicular interacting heads motif, rather than one folded back to contact S2, as is seen in other thick filament types such as those from tarantula.
Highlights
The indirect flight muscles of the giant waterbug, Lethocerus spp., have long held a special place in muscle research, thanks to their conveniently large fiber size and exquisitely well-ordered filament lattice
We propose here that the alternative splicing may affect the stability of the interacting heads motif (IHM) and the structural differences seen in thick filaments from different muscle types
The most detailed model of the IHM is PDB 3JBH, which was flexibly fit into a 20-Å resolution map of the tarantula thick filament. 3JBH revealed conserved residues that may be involved in specific contacts that stabilize the IHM (Alamo et al 2016)
Summary
The indirect flight muscles of the giant waterbug, Lethocerus spp., have long held a special place in muscle research, thanks to their conveniently large fiber size and exquisitely well-ordered filament lattice. Keywords Myosin II · Insect flight muscle · Alternative splicing · Interacting heads motif We propose here that the alternative splicing may affect the stability of the IHM and the structural differences seen in thick filaments from different muscle types.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
