San Jose, CA – February 20, 2009 -- AnaSpec has announced the release of the industry’s first provider of nonmuscle myosin class II heavy chain (NMHC) antibodies.
Nonmuscle myosin class II proteins belong to the superfamily of actin-based motor proteins. They form hexamer structures composed of two ~200kDa heavy chains (NMHC II) and two pairs of 20kDa and 17kDa light chains (MLC20 and MLC17) (1,2). Nonmuscle myosins are classified according to the heavy chain isoforms; light chains are conserved. Three different isoforms that share 64-80% amino acid sequence identity have been detected in mammals: NMHC II-A, NMHC II-B, and NMHC II-C. Although NMHC II molecules have now been found in muscle cells as well, the name “nonmuscle myosin” was already widespread and is in use today. NMHC II-A is most abundant compared to other NMHC isoforms in human lung, spleen, thymus, uterus, and colon.1 Thus, single amino acid mutation in MNMH II-A results in kidney and platelet defects in humans.1 In addition, recent study indicates that replacement of NMHC II-B with NMHC II-A rescues brain defect in mice.3
About AnaSpec
AnaSpec is a leading provider of integrated proteomics solutions to the world’s largest biotech, pharmaceutical, and academic research institutions. With a vision for innovation through synergy, AnaSpec focuses on three core technologies: peptides, detection reagents, and combinatorial chemistry.
