MLCK

MLCK inhibitors block myosin light chain kinase, the enzyme that switches on smooth muscle contraction. Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is a calcium and calmodulin-dependent kinase that phosphorylates the regulatory light chain of myosin II. This step starts actomyosin contraction in smooth muscle and also regulates endothelial barrier function and cell migration. The naphthalenesulfonyl compounds ML-7 and ML-9 were described in 1987 as selective inhibitors of smooth muscle MLCK. ML 7 hydrochloride, ML-9 hydrochloride and MS-444 are the MLCK inhibitors listed here. BTS acts further downstream, inhibiting skeletal muscle myosin II ATPase activity. Broader kinase tools such as (E)-KN-93 phosphate and GF 109203X also appear, while motor protein inhibitors are covered under Myosin.