This family represents the C-terminal region of dynein heavy chain. The chain also contains ATPase activity and microtubule binding ability and acts as a motor for the movement of organelles and vesicles along microtubules. Dynein is also involved in cilia and flagella movement. The dynein subunit consists of at least two heavy chains and a number of intermediate and light chains [1]. The 380 kDa motor unit of dynein belongs to the AAA class of chaperone-like ATPases. The core of the 380 kDa motor unit contains a concatenated chain of six AAA modules, of which four correspond to the ATP binding sites with P-loop signatures described previously, and two are modules in which the P loop has been lost in evolution. This C-terminal domain carries the D6 region of the dynein motor where the P-loop has been lost in evolution but the general structure of a potential ATP binding site appears to be retained [2].

1: Molecular characterization of a cytoplasmic dynein from Dictyostelium. Koonce MP, Grissom PM, Lyon M, Pope T, McIntosh JR; J Eukaryot Microbiol 1994;41:645-651. PMID:7866389

2: Model for the motor component of dynein heavy chain based on homology to the AAA family of oligomeric ATPases. Mocz G, Gibbons IR; Structure. 2001;9:93-103. PMID:11250194