Mechanotransduction
There is a balance of forces between cell adhesion on the outside and myosin II-based contractility on the inside of the cell controls many aspects of cell behavior. Disturbing this balance contributes to the pathogenesis of various human diseases. Therefore, elaborate signaling networks have evolved that modulate myosin II activity to maintain tensional homeostasis. These include signaling pathways that regulate myosin light chain phosphorylation as well as myosin II heavy chain interactions.
References
Clark K, Langeslag M, Figdor CG, van Leeuwen FN. Myosin II and mechanotransduction: a balancing act. Trends Cell Biol. 2007 Feb 20; PMID: 17320396
Matsumura F. Regulation of myosin II during cytokinesis in higher eukaryotes. Trends Cell Biol. 2005 May 31; PMID: 15935670