Dynein, Axonemal, Heavy Chain 9 (DNAH9)

Dyneins are microtubule-associated motor protein complexes composed of several heavy, light, and intermediate chains. Two major classes of dyneins, axonemal and cytoplasmic, have been identified. The axonemal dyneins, found in cilia and flagella, are components of the outer and inner dynein arms attached to the peripheral microtubule doublets. DNAH9 is an axonemal dynein heavy chain (DHC).

DNAH9 encodes the heavy chain subunit of axonemal dynein, a large multi-subunit molecular motor. Axonemal dynein attaches to microtubules and hydrolyzes ATP to mediate the movement of cilia and flagella. The gene expresses at least two transcript variants; additional variants have been described, but their full length nature has not been determined.