The C-terminal tail region of nonmuscle myosin II directs isoform-specific distribution in migrating cells.

Nonmuscle myosin II isoforms A and B (hereafter, IIA and IIB) perform unique roles in cell migration, even though both isoforms share the same basic molecular functions. That IIA and IIB assume distinct subcellular distribution in migrating cells suggests that discrete spatiotemporal regulation of each isoform's activity may provide a basis for its unique migratory functions. Here, we make the surprising finding that swapping a small C-terminal portion of the tail between IIA and IIB inverts the distinct distribution of these isoforms in migrating cells. Moreover, swapping this region between isoforms also inverts their specific turnover properties, as assessed by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and Triton solubility. These data, acquired through the use of chimeras of IIA and IIB, suggest that the C-terminal region of the myosin heavy chain supersedes the distinct motor properties of the two isoforms as the predominant factor directing isoform-specific distribution. Furthermore, our results reveal a correlation between isoform solubility and distribution, leading to the proposal that the C-terminal region regulates isoform distribution by tightly controlling the amount of each isoform that is soluble and therefore available for redistribution into new protrusions.