Gene MYH7
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Also known as
myosin heavy chain 7, beta-myosin heavy chain, cardiac myosin heavy chain beta, CMH1Overview
MYH7 (Myosin Heavy Chain 7) encodes the beta (slow) myosin heavy chain, the predominant myosin in the heart and slow-twitch skeletal muscle fibers. This protein is the molecular motor that powers muscle contraction by converting chemical energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical force. MYH7 is essential for cardiac and skeletal muscle function.Mutations in MYH7 are the second most common cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and also cause dilated cardiomyopathy and skeletal myopathies. MYH7 mutations typically have earlier onset and more severe phenotypes than MYBPC3 mutations. Some variants also cause Laing distal myopathy affecting skeletal muscles.
Understanding your MYH7 genetic status provides critical insights into hereditary cardiomyopathy and muscle disease risk. This information is essential for individuals with family history of HCM, dilated cardiomyopathy, or unexplained muscle weakness, enabling appropriate cardiac surveillance and genetic counseling.