Phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain of myosin in striated muscle: methodological perspectives

Phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain (RLC) of myosin modulates cellular functions such as muscle contraction, mitosis, and cytokinesis. Phosphorylation defects are implicated in a number of diseases. Here we focus on striated muscle where changes in RLC phosphorylation relate to diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and muscular dystrophy, or age-related changes. RLC phosphorylation in smooth muscle and non-muscle cells are covered briefly where relevant. There is much scientific interest in controlling the phosphorylation levels of RLC in vivo and in vitro in order to understand its physiological function in striated muscles. A summary of available and emerging in vivo and in vitro methods is presented. The physiological role of RLC phosphorylation and novel pathways are discussed to highlight the differences between muscle types and to gain insights into disease processes.