Dyneins are a group of microtubule-activated ATPases that function as molecular motors. They are divided into two subgroups of axonemal and cytoplasmic dyneins. The cytoplasmic dyneins function in intracellular motility, including retrograde axonal transport, protein sorting, organelle movement, and spindle dynamics. Molecules of conventional cytoplasmic dynein are comprised of 2 heavy chain polypeptides and a number of intermediate and light chains.This gene encodes a member of the cytoplasmic dynein heavy chain family. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2008],domain:Dynein heavy chains probably consist of an N-terminal stem (which binds cargo and interacts with other dynein components), and the head or motor domain. The motor contains six tandemly-linked AAA domains in the head, which form a ring. A stalk-like structure (formed by two of the coiled coil domains) protrudes between AAA 4 and AAA 5 and terminates in a microtubule-binding site. A seventh domain may also contribute to this ring, it is not clear whether the N-terminus or the C-terminus forms this extra domain. There are four well-conserved and two non-conserved ATPase sites, one per AAA domain. Probably only one of these (within AAA 1) actually hydrolyzes ATP, the others may serve a regulatory function.,function:Cytoplasmic dynein acts as a motor for the intracellular retrograde motility of vesicles and organelles along microtubules. Dynein has ATPase activity, the force-producing power stroke is thought to occur on release of ADP.,similarity:Belongs to the dynein heavy chain family.,subunit:Consists of at least two heavy chains and a number of intermediate and light chains.,
