Myosin VI, a new force in clathrin mediated endocytosis

The integrity of the actin cytoskeleton and associated motor proteins are e ssential for the efficient functioning of clathrin mediated endocytosis at least in polarised cells. Myosin VI, the only motor protein so far identifi ed that moves towards the minus end of actin filaments, is the first motor protein to be shown to associate with clathrin coated pits/vesicles at the plasma membrane and to modulate clathrin mediated endocytosis. Recent kinet ic studies suggest that myosin VI may move processively along actin filamen ts providing clues about its functions in the cell. The possible role(s) of myosin VI in the sequential steps involved in receptor mediated endocytosi s are discussed. (C) 2001 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Pub lished by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.