FERM domain‐containing unconventional myosin VIIA interacts with integrin β5 subunit and regulates αvβ5‐mediated cell adhesion and migration.

Unconventional myosin VIIA (Myo7a) has been known to associate with hereditary deafness. Here we present a novel function of Myo7a by identifying that Myo7a directly interacts with integrin β5 subunit and regulates cell adhesion and motility in an integrin‐dependent manner. We found that Myo7a bound to the cytoplasmic tail of integrin β5. Further, we pinpointed an integrin‐binding domain at F3 of the first FERM domain and F1 of the second FERM domain. Functionally, Myo7a‐induced cell adhesion and migration were mediated by integrin αvβ5. These findings indicated that Myo7a interacts with integrin β5 and selectively promotes integrin αvβ5‐mediated cell migration.Myo7a interacts with integrin β5 subunit in non‐stereocilia cells. Myo7a interacts with the integrin β5 cytoplasmic domain via its FERM domains. Myo7a regulates integrin αvβ5‐mediated cell adhesion and migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]