Structure-mutation analysis of the ATPase site of Dictyostelium discoideum myosin II.

Three loop structures called the P-loop, switch I loop and switch II loop of myosin are major components of its ATPase site, and share structural and functional homology with the loop structures in other ATPases and GTPases such as kinesin and G-protein. Using the alanine scanning mutagenesis, structure-function relationship of the switch I and switch II loops in Dictyostelium myosin II was examined. Based on crystal structures of Dictyostelium myosin motor domain, functions of each residue in those loops are discussed.