MYH9: A key protein involved in tumor progression and virus-related diseases

Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Feb:171:116118. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116118. Epub 2024 Jan 5.

Abstract

The myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) gene encodes the heavy chain of non-muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA), which belongs to the myosin II subfamily of actin-based molecular motors. Previous studies have demonstrated that abnormal expression and mutations of MYH9 were correlated with MYH9-related diseases and tumors. Furthermore, earlier investigations identified MYH9 as a tumor suppressor. However, subsequent research revealed that MYH9 promoted tumorigenesis, progression and chemoradiotherapy resistance. Note-worthily, MYH9 has also been linked to viral infections, like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis B virus, as a receptor or co-receptor. In addition, MYH9 promotes the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by interacting with the hepatitis B virus-encoding X protein. Finally, various findings highlighted the role of MYH9 in the development of these illnesses, especially in tumors. This review summarizes the involvement of the MYH9-regulated signaling network in tumors and virus-related diseases and presents possible drug interventions on MYH9, providing insights for the use of MYH9 as a therapeutic target for tumors and virus-mediated diseases.

Keywords: Myosin heavy chain 9; Non-muscle myosin IIA; Tumor; Virus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actins / genetics
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Myosin Heavy Chains / genetics
  • Neoplasms*

Substances

  • Actins
  • MYH9 protein, human
  • Myosin Heavy Chains