Molecular and functional characterization of an Entamoeba histolytica protein (EhMLCI) with features of a myosin essential light chain

► A myosin essential-like light chain, EhMLCI, is expressed in E. histolytica. ► EhMLCI associates to heavy chains of amebic myosin and to actin filaments. ► Two forms of the protein are found, the minor one is phosphorylated in tyrosines. ► The phosphorylated form partitions into Triton-soluble fractions of cell extracts. ► EhMLCI may be acting as a negative regulator of myosin activity.