Myo6 (green) has a selective endocytic role at synapses (red).

Stimulated neurons that lack myosin VI (Myo6) fail to endocytose a subtype of glutamate receptors called AMPARs, report Osterweil et al. on page 329. However, the neurons do not have a general endocytosis defect, suggesting a role for Myo6 in specific endocytic events.

Unlike other myosins, Myo6 moves toward the minus ends of actin filaments. Thus, in polarized cells or cell regions, such as the dendritic spines of neurons, Myo6 moves toward the inside of the cell. Dominant-negative mutants of Myo6 have a generalized defect in endocytosis, but this may be explained by Myo6's interaction with AP2, a clathrin adaptor protein, rather than Myo6's normal function.

Osterweil et al. turned instead to Myo6 mutant mice (sv/sv animals). Neurons in the hippocampi of these mice made fewer synaptic connections and had shorter dendritic spines...

You do not currently have access to this content.