Class VI myosin moves processively along actin filaments backward with large steps

Among a superfamily of myosin, class VI myosin moves actin filaments backwards. Here we show that myosin VI moves processively on actin filaments backwards with large (similar to36 nm) steps, nevertheless it has an extremely short neck domain. Myosin V also moves processively with large (similar to36 nm) steps and it is believed that myosin V strides along the actin helical repeat with its elongated neck domain that is critical for its processive movement with large steps. Myosin VI having a short neck cannot take this scenario. We found by electron microscopy that myosin VI cooperatively binds to an actin filament at similar to36 nm intervals in the presence of ATP, raising a hypothesis that the binding of myosin VI evokes "hot spots" on actin filaments that attract myosin heads. Myosin VI may step on these "hot spots" on actin filaments in every helical pitch, thus producing processive movement with 36 nm steps. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science.