Myosin VI Rewrites the Rules for Myosin Motors

Myosin VI is the only type of myosin motor known to move toward the minus ends of actin filaments. This reversal in the direction of its movement is in part a consequence of the repositioning of its lever arm. In addition, myosin VI has a number of other specialized structural and functional adaptations that optimize performance of its unique cellular roles. Given that other classes of myosins may share some of these features, understanding the design principles of myosin VI will help guide the study of the functions of myosins that adopt similar strategies.