The C-terminal tail region of nonmuscle myosin II directs isoform-specific distribution in migrating cells

The heavy chain has its day: regulation of myosin-II assembly

Nonmuscle myosin-II is an actin-based motor that converts chemical energy into force and movement, and thus functions as a key regulator of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. Although it is established that phosphorylation on the regulatory light chain increases the actin-activated MgATPase activity of the motor and promotes myosin-II filament assembly, studies have begun to characterize alternative mechanisms that regulate filament assembly and disassembly. These investigations have revealed that all three nonmuscle myosin-II isoforms are subject to additional regulatory controls, which impact diverse cellular processes. In this review, we discuss current knowledge on mechanisms that regulate the oligomerization state of nonmuscle myosin-II filaments by targeting the myosin heavy chain.

Carboxyl-terminal-dependent recruitment of nonmuscle myosin II to megakaryocyte contractile ring during polyploidization

Endomitosis is a unique megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation process that is the consequence of a late cytokinesis failure associated with a contractile ring defect. Evidence from in vitro studies has revealed the distinct roles of 2 nonmuscle myosin IIs (NMIIs) on MK endomitosis: only NMII-B (MYH10), but not NMII-A (MYH9), is localized in the MK contractile ring and implicated in mitosis/endomitosis transition. Here, we studied 2 transgenic mouse models in which nonmuscle myosin heavy chain (NMHC) II-A was genetically replaced either by II-B or by a chimeric NMHCII that combined the head domain of II-A with the rod and tail domains of II-B. This study provides in vivo evidence on the specific role of NMII-B on MK polyploidization. It demonstrates that the carboxyl-terminal domain of the heavy chains determines myosin II localization to the MK contractile ring and is responsible for the specific role of NMII-B in MK polyploidization.

Endogenous species of mammalian nonmuscle myosin IIA and IIB include activated monomers and heteropolymers

BACKGROUND

Class II myosins generate contractile forces in cells by polymerizing into bipolar filaments and pulling on anchored actin filaments. Nonmuscle myosin II (NMII) plays central roles during cell adhesion, migration, cytokinesis, and tissue morphogenesis. NMII is present in virtually all mammalian cell types as tissue-specific combinations of NMIIA, NMIIB, and NMIIC isoforms. It remains poorly understood how the highly dynamic NMII-actin contractile system begins to assemble at new cellular locations during cell migration and how incorporation of different NMII isoforms into this system is coordinated.

RESULTS

Using platinum replica electron microscopy in combination with immunogold labeling, we demonstrate that individual activated (phosphorylated on the regulatory light chain and unfolded) NMIIA and NMIIB molecules represent a functional form of NMII in motile cells and that NMIIA and NMIIB copolymerize into nascent bipolar filaments during contractile system assembly. Using subdiffraction stimulated emission depletion microscopy together with a pharmacological block-and-release approach, we report that NMIIA and NMIIB simultaneously incorporate into the cytoskeleton during initiation of contractile system assembly, whereas the characteristic rearward shift of NMIIB relative to NMIIA is established later in the course of NMII turnover.

CONCLUSIONS

We show existence of activated NMII monomers in cells, copolymerization of endogenous NMIIA and NMIIB molecules, and contribution of both isoforms, rather than only NMIIA, to early stages of the contractile system assembly. These data change the current paradigms about dynamics and functions of NMII and provide new conceptual insights into the organization and dynamics of the ubiquitous cellular machinery for contraction that acts in multiple cellular contexts.

Nonmuscle myosin II isoforms coassemble in living cells

Nonmuscle myosin II (NM II) powers myriad developmental and cellular processes, including embryogenesis, cell migration, and cytokinesis [1]. To exert its functions, monomers of NM II assemble into bipolar filaments that produce a contractile force on the actin cytoskeleton. Mammalian cells express up to three isoforms of NM II (NM IIA, IIB, and IIC), each of which possesses distinct biophysical properties and supports unique as well as redundant cellular functions [2-8]. Despite previous efforts [9-13], it remains unclear whether NM II isoforms assemble in living cells to produce mixed (heterotypic) bipolar filaments or whether filaments consist entirely of a single isoform (homotypic). We addressed this question using fluorescently tagged versions of NM IIA, IIB, and IIC, isoform-specific immunostaining of the endogenous proteins, and two-color total internal reflection fluorescence structured-illumination microscopy, or TIRF-SIM, to visualize individual myosin II bipolar filaments inside cells. We show that NM II isoforms coassemble into heterotypic filaments in a variety of settings, including various types of stress fibers, individual filaments throughout the cell, and the contractile ring. We also show that the differential distribution of NM IIA and NM IIB typically seen in confocal micrographs of well-polarized cells is reflected in the composition of individual bipolar filaments. Interestingly, this differential distribution is less pronounced in freshly spread cells, arguing for the existence of a sorting mechanism acting over time. Together, our work argues that individual NM II isoforms are potentially performing both isoform-specific and isoform-redundant functions while coassembled with other NM II isoforms.

Rear actomyosin contractility-driven directional cell migration in three-dimensional matrices: a mechano-chemical coupling mechanism

Cell migration is of vital importance in many biological processes, including organismal development, immune response and development of vascular diseases. For instance, migration of vascular smooth muscle cells from the media to intima is an essential part of the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis after stent deployment. While it is well characterized that cells use actin polymerization at the leading edge to propel themselves to move on two-dimensional substrates, the migration modes of cells in three-dimensional matrices relevant to in vivo environments remain unclear. Intracellular tension, which is created by myosin II activity, fulfils a vital role in regulating cell migration. We note that there is compelling evidence from theoretical and experimental work that myosin II accumulates at the cell rear, either isoform-dependent or -independent, leading to three-dimensional migration modes driven by posterior myosin II tension. The scenario is not limited to amoeboid migration, and it is also seen in mesenchymal migration in which a two-dimensional-like migration mode based on front protrusions is often expected, suggesting that there may exist universal underlying mechanisms. In this review, we aim to shed some light on how anisotropic myosin II localization induces cell motility in three-dimensional environments from a biomechanical view. We demonstrate an interesting mechanism where an interplay between mechanical myosin II recruitment and biochemical myosin II activation triggers directional migration in three-dimensional matrices. In the case of amoeboid three-dimensional migration, myosin II first accumulates at the cell rear to induce a slight polarization displayed as a uropod-like structure under the action of a tension-dependent mechanism. Subsequent biochemical signalling pathways initiate actomyosin contractility, producing traction forces on the adhesion system or creating prominent motile forces through blebbing activity, to drive cells to move. In mesenchymal three-dimensional migration, cells can also take advantage of the elastic properties of three-dimensional matrices to move. A minor myosin isoform, myosin IIB, is retained by relatively stiff three-dimensional matrices at the posterior side, then activated by signalling cascades, facilitating prominent cell polarization by establishing front-back polarity and creating cell rear. Myosin IIB initiates cell polarization and coordinates with the major isoform myosin IIA-assembled stress fibres, to power the directional migration of cells in the three-dimensional matrix.

Myosin IIA deficient cells migrate efficiently despite reduced traction forces at cell periphery

Cell motility is a cornerstone of embryogenesis, tissue remodeling and repair, and cancer cell invasion. It is generally thought that migrating cells grab and exert traction force onto the extracellular matrix in order to pull the cell body forward. While previous studies have shown that myosin II deficient cells migrate efficiently, whether these cells exert traction forces during cell migration in the absence of the major contractile machinery is currently unknown. Using an array of micron-sized pillars as a force sensor and shRNA specific to each myosin II isoform (A and B), we analyzed how myosin IIA and IIB individually regulate cell migration and traction force generation. Myosin IIA and IIB localized preferentially to the leading edge where traction force was greatest, and the trailing edge, respectively. When individual myosin II isoforms were depleted by shRNA, myosin IIA deficient cells lost actin stress fibers and focal adhesions, whereas myosin IIB deficient cells maintained similar actin organization and focal adhesions as wild-type cells. Interestingly, myosin IIA deficient cells migrated faster than wild-type or myosin IIB deficient cells on both a rigid surface and a pillar array, yet myosin IIA deficient cells exerted significantly less traction force at the leading edge than wild-type or myosin IIB deficient cells. These results suggest that, in the absence of myosin IIA mediated force-generating machinery, cells move with minimal traction forces at the cell periphery, thus demonstrating the remarkable ability of cells to adapt and migrate.

Immobile myosin-II plays a scaffolding role during cytokinesis in budding yeast

Core components of cytokinesis are conserved from yeast to human, but how these components are assembled into a robust machine that drives cytokinesis remains poorly understood. In this paper, we show by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis that Myo1, the sole myosin-II in budding yeast, was mobile at the division site before anaphase and became immobilized shortly before cytokinesis. This immobility was independent of actin filaments or the motor domain of Myo1 but required a small region in the Myo1 tail that is thought to be involved in higher-order assembly. As expected, proteins involved in actin ring assembly (tropomyosin and formin) and membrane trafficking (myosin-V and exocyst) were dynamic during cytokinesis. Strikingly, proteins involved in septum formation (the chitin synthase Chs2) and/or its coordination with the actomyosin ring (essential light chain, IQGAP, F-BAR, etc.) displayed Myo1-dependent immobility during cytokinesis, suggesting that Myo1 plays a scaffolding role in the assembly of a cytokinesis machine.

Nonmuscle myosin II folds into a 10S form via two portions of tail for dynamic subcellular localization

Nonmuscle myosin II forms a folded conformation (10S form) in the inactivated state; however, the physiological importance of the 10S form is still unclear. To investigate the role of 10S form, we generated a chimeric mutant of nonmuscle myosin IIB (IIB-SK1·2), in which S1462-R1490 and L1551-E1577 were replaced with the corresponding portions of skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain. The IIB-SK1·2 mutant did not fold into a 10S form under physiological condition in vitro. IIB-SK1·2 was less dynamic by stabilizing the filamentous form and accumulated in the posterior region of migrating cells. IIB-SK1·2 functioned properly in cytokinesis but altered migratory properties; the rate and directional persistence were increased by IIB-SK1·2 expression. Surprisingly, endogenous nonmuscle myosin IIA was excluded from the posterior region of migrating cells expressing IIB-SK1·2, which may underlie the change of the cellular migratory properties. These results suggest that the 10S form is necessary for maintaining nonmuscle myosin II in an unassembled state and for recruitment of nonmuscle myosin II to a specific region of the cell.

Functions of nonmuscle myosin II in assembly of the cellular contractile system

The contractile system of nonmuscle cells consists of interconnected actomyosin networks and bundles anchored to focal adhesions. The initiation of the contractile system assembly is poorly understood structurally and mechanistically, whereas system's maturation heavily depends on nonmuscle myosin II (NMII). Using platinum replica electron microscopy in combination with fluorescence microscopy, we characterized the structural mechanisms of the contractile system assembly and roles of NMII at early stages of this process. We show that inhibition of NMII by a specific inhibitor, blebbistatin, in addition to known effects, such as disassembly of stress fibers and mature focal adhesions, also causes transformation of lamellipodia into unattached ruffles, loss of immature focal complexes, loss of cytoskeleton-associated NMII filaments and peripheral accumulation of activated, but unpolymerized NMII. After blebbistatin washout, assembly of the contractile system begins with quick and coordinated recovery of lamellipodia and focal complexes that occurs before reappearance of NMII bipolar filaments. The initial formation of focal complexes and subsequent assembly of NMII filaments preferentially occurred in association with filopodial bundles and concave actin bundles formed by filopodial roots at the lamellipodial base. Over time, accumulating NMII filaments help to transform the precursor structures, focal complexes and associated thin bundles, into stress fibers and mature focal adhesions. However, semi-sarcomeric organization of stress fibers develops at much slower rate. Together, our data suggest that activation of NMII motor activity by light chain phosphorylation occurs at the cell edge and is uncoupled from NMII assembly into bipolar filaments. We propose that activated, but unpolymerized NMII initiates focal complexes, thus providing traction for lamellipodial protrusion. Subsequently, the mechanical resistance of focal complexes activates a load-dependent mechanism of NMII polymerization in association with attached bundles, leading to assembly of stress fibers and maturation of focal adhesions.

Phosphorylation of the myosin IIA tailpiece regulates single myosin IIA molecule association with lytic granules to promote NK-cell cytotoxicity

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune lymphocytes that provide critical defense against virally infected and transformed cells. NK-cell cytotoxicity requires the formation of an F-actin rich immunologic synapse (IS), as well as the polarization of perforin-containing lytic granules to the IS and secretion of their contents at the IS. It was reported previously that NK-cell cytotoxicity requires nonmuscle myosin IIA function and that granule-associated myosin IIA mediates the interaction of granules with F-actin at the IS. In the present study, we evaluate the nature of the association of myosin IIA with lytic granules. Using NK cells from patients with mutations in myosin IIA, we found that the nonhelical tailpiece is required for NK-cell cytotoxicity and for the phosphorylation of granule-associated myosin IIA. Ultra-resolution imaging techniques demonstrated that single myosin IIA molecules associate with NK-cell lytic granules via the nonhelical tailpiece. Phosphorylation of myosin IIA at residue serine 1943 (S1943) in the tailpiece is needed for this linkage. This defines a novel mechanism for myosin II function, in which myosin IIA can act as a single-molecule actin motor, claiming granules as cargo through tail-dependent phosphorylation for the execution of a pre-final step in human NK-cell cytotoxicity.

Dynamic assembly properties of nonmuscle myosin II isoforms revealed by combination of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy

Myosin II molecules assemble into filaments through their C-terminal rod region, and are responsible for several cellular motile activities. Three isoforms of nonmuscle myosin II (IIA, IIB and IIC) are expressed in mammalian cells. However, little is known regarding the isoform composition in filaments. To obtain new insight into the assembly properties of myosin II isoforms, especially regarding the isoform composition in filaments, we performed a combination analysis of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS), which enables us to acquire information on both the interaction and the size of each molecule simultaneously. Using C-terminal rod fragments of IIA and IIB (ARF296 and BRF305) labelled with different fluorescent probes, we demonstrated that hetero-assemblies were formed from a mixture of ARF296 and BRF305, and that dynamic exchange of rod fragments occurred between preformed homo-assemblies of each isoform in an isoform-independent manner. We also showed that Mts1 (S100A4) specifically stripped ARF296 away from the hetero-assemblies, and consequently, homo-assemblies of BRF305 were formed. These results suggest that IIA and IIB can form hetero-filaments in an isoform-independent manner, and that a factor like Mts1 can remove one isoform from the hetero-filament, resulting in a formation of homo-filaments consisting of another isoform.

Myosin light chain mono- and di-phosphorylation differentially regulate adhesion and polarity in migrating cells

Myosin II is a critical regulator of cell migration that generates polarity, controls protrusion, and promotes adhesion maturation and retraction of the rear. Myosin II has an ATPase motor domain that is regulated by phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain (RLC) on Thr18 and Ser19. Here, we address the activation and specific function of the two phosphorylation states of the RLC, mono- (S19) and/or di-phosphorylation (T18+S19), in cell polarity and adhesion. Specific phospho-antibodies reveal that adhesion to fibronectin via the α5β1 integrin promotes localized mono- and di-phosphorylation of the RLC that follow different kinetics. Using phospho-mimetic mutants, we show that mono-phosphorylation promotes adhesion maturation in protrusions resulting in focal adhesions throughout the cell. In contrast, di-phosphorylation produces large, stable actomyosin bundles and large, non-dynamic adhesions that define the rear. Finally, RLC phosphorylation regulates the assembly and stability of MIIB, but not MIIA. Our data reveal a novel mechanism by which the degree of phosphorylation of the RLC differentially controls cell adhesion and polarity.

Alternative splicing of caspase 9 is modulated by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway via phosphorylation of SRp30a

Increasing evidence points to the functional importance of alternative splice variations in cancer pathophysiology. Two splice variants are derived from the CASP9 gene via the inclusion (Casp9a) or exclusion (Casp9b) of a four-exon cassette. Here we show that alternative splicing of Casp9 is dysregulated in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) regardless of their pathologic classification. Based on these findings we hypothesized that survival pathways activated by oncogenic mutation regulated this mechanism. In contrast to K-RasV12 expression, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression or mutation dramatically lowered the Casp9a/9b splice isoform ratio. Moreover, Casp9b downregulation blocked the ability of EGFR mutations to induce anchorage-independent growth. Furthermore, Casp9b expression blocked inhibition of clonogenic colony formation by erlotinib. Interrogation of oncogenic signaling pathways showed that inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase or Akt dramatically increased the Casp9a/9b ratio in NSCLC cells. Finally, Akt was found to mediate exclusion of the exon 3,4,5,6 cassette of Casp9 via the phosphorylation state of the RNA splicing factor SRp30a via serines 199, 201, 227, and 234. Taken together, our findings show that oncogenic factors activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway can regulate alternative splicing of Casp9 via a coordinated mechanism involving the phosphorylation of SRp30a.

Myosin II directly binds and inhibits Dbl family guanine nucleotide exchange factors: a possible link to Rho family GTPases

The activity of Rho GTPases in migrating cells is regulated by binding of myosin II to GEFs.

Cell migration requires the coordinated spatiotemporal regulation of actomyosin contraction and cell protrusion/adhesion. Nonmuscle myosin II (MII) controls Rac1 and Cdc42 activation, and cell protrusion and focal complex formation in migrating cells. However, these mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that MII interacts specifically with multiple Dbl family guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). Binding is mediated by the conserved tandem Dbl homology–pleckstrin homology module, the catalytic site of these GEFs, with dissociation constants of ∼0.3 µM. Binding to the GEFs required assembly of the MII into filaments and actin-stimulated ATPase activity. Binding of MII suppressed GEF activity. Accordingly, inhibition of MII ATPase activity caused release of GEFs and activation of Rho GTPases. Depletion of βPIX GEF in migrating NIH3T3 fibroblasts suppressed lamellipodial protrusions and focal complex formation induced by MII inhibition. The results elucidate a functional link between MII and Rac1/Cdc42 GTPases, which may regulate protrusion/adhesion dynamics in migrating cells.

Nonmuscle myosin II isoform and domain specificity during early mouse development

Nonmuscle myosins (NMs) II-A and II-B are essential for embryonic mouse development, but their specific roles are not completely defined. Here we examine the isoforms and their domain specifically in vivo and in vitro by studying mice and cells in which nonmuscle myosin heavy chain (NMHC) II-A is genetically replaced by NMHC II-B or chimeric NMHC IIs that exchange the rod and head domains of NM II-A and II-B. In contrast with the failure of visceral endoderm formation resulting in embryonic day (E)6.5 lethality of A(-)/A(-) mice, replacement with NM II-B or chimeric NM IIs restores a normal visceral endoderm. This finding is consistent with NM II's role in cell adhesion and also confirms an essential, isoform-independent requirement for NM II in visceral endoderm function. The knock-in mice die between E9.5 and 12.5 because of defects in placenta formation associated with abnormal angiogenesis and cell migration, revealing a unique function for NM II-A in placenta development. In vitro results further support a requirement for NM II-A in directed cell migration and focal adhesion formation. These findings demonstrate an isoform-specific role for NM II-A during these processes, making replacement by another isoform, or chimeric NM II isoforms, less successful. The failure of these substitutions is not only related to the different kinetic properties of NM II-A and II-B, but also to their subcellular localization determined by the C-terminal domain. These results highlight the functions of the N-terminal motor and C-terminal rod domains of NM II and their different roles in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion.

Hold on tightly, let go lightly: myosin functions at adherens junctions

Adherens junctions, the sites of cadherin-dependent cell-cell adhesion, are also important for dynamic tension sensing, force transduction and signalling. Different myosin motors contribute to adherens junction assembly and versatility in distinct ways.

Conventional myosins - unconventional functions

While the discovery of unconventional myosins raised expectations that their actions were responsible for most aspects of actin-based cell motility, few anticipated the wide range of cellular functions that would remain the purview of conventional two-headed myosins. The three nonsarcomeric, cellular myosins-M2A, M2B and M2C-participate in diverse roles including, but not limited to: neuronal dynamics, axon guidance and synaptic transmission; endothelial cell migration; cell adhesion, polarity, fusion and cytokinesis; vesicle trafficking and viral egress. These three conventional myosins each take on specific, differing functional roles during development and maturity, characteristic of each cell lineage; exact roles depend on the developmental stage of the cell, cellular location, upstream regulatory controls, relative isoform expression, orientation and associated state of the actin cytoscaffolds in which these myosins operate. Here, we discuss the separate yet related roles that characterise the actions of M2A, M2B and M2C in various cell types and show that these conventional myosins are responsible for functions as unconventional as any performed by unconventional myosins.

Cytoskeletal coherence requires myosin-IIA contractility

Maintaining a physical connection across cytoplasm is crucial for many biological processes such as matrix force generation, cell motility, cell shape and tissue development. However, in the absence of stress fibers, the coherent structure that transmits force across the cytoplasm is not understood. We find that nonmuscle myosin-II (NMII) contraction of cytoplasmic actin filaments establishes a coherent cytoskeletal network irrespective of the nature of adhesive contacts. When NMII activity is inhibited during cell spreading by Rho kinase inhibition, blebbistatin, caldesmon overexpression or NMIIA RNAi, the symmetric traction forces are lost and cell spreading persists, causing cytoplasm fragmentation by membrane tension that results in 'C' or dendritic shapes. Moreover, local inactivation of NMII by chromophore-assisted laser inactivation causes local loss of coherence. Actin filament polymerization is also required for cytoplasmic coherence, but microtubules and intermediate filaments are dispensable. Loss of cytoplasmic coherence is accompanied by loss of circumferential actin bundles. We suggest that NMIIA creates a coherent actin network through the formation of circumferential actin bundles that mechanically link elements of the peripheral actin cytoskeleton where much of the force is generated during spreading.

Non-muscle myosin II takes centre stage in cell adhesion and migration

Non-muscle myosin II (NM II) is an actin-binding protein that has actin cross-linking and contractile properties and is regulated by the phosphorylation of its light and heavy chains. The three mammalian NM II isoforms have both overlapping and unique properties. Owing to its position downstream of convergent signalling pathways, NM II is central in the control of cell adhesion, cell migration and tissue architecture. Recent insight into the role of NM II in these processes has been gained from loss-of-function and mutant approaches, methods that quantitatively measure actin and adhesion dynamics and the discovery of NM II mutations that cause monogenic diseases.

The heel and toe of the cell's foot: a multifaceted approach for understanding the structure and dynamics of focal adhesions

Focal adhesions (FAs) are large clusters of transmembrane receptors of the integrin family and a multitude of associated cytoplasmic "plaque" proteins, which connect the extracellular matrix-bound receptors with the actin cytoskeleton. The formation of nearly stationary FAs defines a boundary between the dense and highly dynamic actin network in lamellipodium and the sparser and more diverse cytoskeletal organization in the lamella proper, creating a template for the organization of the entire actin network. The major "mechanical" and "sensory" functions of FAs; namely, the nucleation and regulation of the contractile, myosin-II-containing stress fibers and the mechanosensing of external surfaces depend, to a major extent, on the dynamics of molecular components within FAs. A central element in FA regulation concerns the positive feedback loop, based on the most intriguing feature of FAs; that is, their dependence on mechanical tension developing by the growing stress fibers. FAs grow in response to such tension, and rapidly disassemble upon its relaxation. In this article, we address the mechanistic relationships between the process of FA development, maturation and dissociation and the dynamic molecular events, which take place in different regions of the FA, primarily in the distal end of this structure (the "toe") and the proximal "heel," and discuss the central role of local mechanical forces in orchestrating the complex interplay between FAs and the actin system.

Myosin II tailpiece determines its paracrystal structure, filament assembly properties, and cellular localization

Non muscle myosin II (NMII) is a major motor protein present in all cell types. The three known vertebrate NMII isoforms share high sequence homology but play different cellular roles. The main difference in sequence resides in the C-terminal non-helical tailpiece (tailpiece). In this study we demonstrate that the tailpiece is crucial for proper filament size, overcoming the intrinsic properties of the coiled-coil rod. Furthermore, we show that the tailpiece by itself determines the NMII filament structure in an isoform-specific manner, thus providing a possible mechanism by which each NMII isoform carries out its unique cellular functions. We further show that the tailpiece determines the cellular localization of NMII-A and NMII-B and is important for NMII-C role in focal adhesion complexes. We mapped NMII-C sites phosphorylated by protein kinase C and casein kinase II and showed that these phosphorylations affect its solubility properties and cellular localization. Thus phosphorylation fine-tunes the tailpiece effects on the coiled-coil rod, enabling dynamic regulation of NMII-C assembly. We thus show that the small tailpiece of NMII is a distinct domain playing a role in isoform-specific filament assembly and cellular functions.