The Journal of Practical Medicine ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (4): 706-713.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2026.04.023

• Reviews • Previous Articles    

Research progress on the regulatory mechanism of MYH9 in intestinal epithelial cells and related diseases

Yu XIA1,2,Min DONG3,Jinkui WU2,Mengbin LI2()   

  1. 1.Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Xianyang 712000,Shaanxi,China
    2.Department of Gastroenterology,Xijing Hospital,Air Force Military Medical University,Xi'an 710000,Shaanxi,China
    3.Department of Oncology,Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Xianyang 712000,Shaanxi,China
  • Received:2025-09-17 Online:2026-02-25 Published:2026-02-25
  • Contact: Mengbin LI E-mail:limbin@fmmu.edu.cn

Abstract:

Myosin heavy chain 9(MYH9) serves as a fundamental regulator of the intestinal epithelial cytoskeletal architecture. Through its coordinated control of cytoskeletal dynamics and intercellular junction organization this molecular motor protein actively maintains epithelial barrier integrity while fine-tuning intestinal stem cell homeostasis?functions that demonstrate distinct dose-responsive characteristics. Under pathological stimuli,MYH9 manifests a context-dependent "double-edged sword" behavior. In inflammatory bowel disease, while complete MYH9 ablation compromises barrier function and amplifies inflammatory responses, its partial inhibition paradoxically enhances epithelial repair through activation of regenerative signaling cascades. During colorectal carcinogenesis, MYH9 fuels tumor progression by orchestrating MAPK/AKT signaling networks and synergizing with autophagy-related protein ATG9B to facilitate focal adhesion maturation. Furthermore, in pre-malignant conditions like intestinal metaplasia, MYH9 contributes to β-catenin pathway activation, thereby accelerating malignant transformation. This comprehensive review delineates the multifaceted regulatory networks governed by MYH9 in intestinal physiology and pathology, while proposing future investigative directions. Deciphering the context-specific functionality of MYH9 will not only advance targeted therapeutic development but also illuminate its promising utility as a liquid biopsy biomarker for gastrointestinal disorders.

Key words: myosin heavy chain 9, cytoskeleton, intestinal epithelial cells, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer

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