Functional roles for myosin 1c in cellular signaling pathways

Cellular signaling pathways underlie the transfer of information throughout the cell and to adjoining cells and so govern most critical cellular functions. Increasing evidence points to the molecular motor myosin 1c as a prominent player in many signaling cascades, from the integrin-dependent signaling involved in cell migration to the signaling events underlying insulin resistance. Myosin 1c functions on these pathways both via an important role in regulating lipid raft recycling and also via direct involvement in signaling cascades. This review provides an overview of the functional involvement of myosin 1c in cellular signaling and discusses the possible potential for myosin 1c as a target for drug-based treatments for human diseases. ► Myosin 1c is a prominent player in many signal transduction pathways. ► Lipid raft trafficking and recycling is mediated by myosin 1c. ► The distribution of lipid rafts determine the spatial regulation of signaling events. ► Myosin 1c is a potential drug target for signaling-related diseases.