Biochemistry of smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase

The smooth muscle isoform of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is a Ca2+-calmodulin-activated kinase that is found in many tissues. It is particularly important for regulating smooth muscle contraction by phosphorylation of myosin. This review summarizes selected aspects of recent biochemical work on MLCK that pertains to its function in smooth muscle. In general, the focus of the review is on new findings, unresolved issues, and areas with the potential for high physiological significance that need further study. The review includes a concise summary of the structure, substrates, and enzyme activity, followed by a discussion of the factors that may limit the effective activity of MLCK in the muscle. The interactions of each of the many domains of MLCK with the proteins of the contractile apparatus, and the multi-domain interactions of MLCK that may control its behaviors in the cell are summarized. Finally, new in vitro approaches to studying the mechanism of phosphorylation of myosin are introduced.

► We summarize biochemical work on smooth muscle MLCK pertaining to smooth muscle function.
► Focus is on discussion of new findings, areas that require further study, and unresolved issues.
► We discuss interactions of the many domains of MLCK with contractile proteins.
► We discuss factors that limit the effective MLCK activity in smooth muscle.