Recombinant Drosophila melanogaster Myosin-IA (Myo31DF), partial

Unconventional myosin that functions as actin-based motor protein with ATPase activity. Binds to membranes enriched in phosphatidylinositol 4-5-bisphosphate, and can glide along actin filaments when anchored to a lipid bilayer. Generates left-right asymmetry at the level of single cells, organs and the whole body via its interaction with the actin cytoskeleton, both in the embryo and the adult. Normal left-right asymmetry of the larval midgut and hindgut requires expression in the embryonic hindgut epithelium during a critical time period, 10 to 12.75 hours after egg laying. This period corresponds to a late stage of germband retraction, and precedes left-right asymmetric morphogenesis. Expression in segment H1 of the imaginal ring is required at 0 to 24 hours after pupation for changes of cell shape and orientation in the H2 segment, which then gives rise to normal, dextral looping of the adult hindgut. Required during a critical period, 126-132 hours after egg laying, for normal, dextral rotation of the adult male genitalia. Has a double role by promoting dextral rotation in the posterior compartment of segment A8 of the male genital disk, and in repressing sinistral looping in the anterior compartment.