This gene encodes a myosin IIA heavy chain that contains an IQ domain and a myosin head-like domain. The protein is involved in several important functions, including cytokinesis, cell motility and maintenance of cell shape. Defects in MYH9 are the cause of non-syndromic sensorineural deafness autosomal dominant type 17, Epstein syndrome, Alport syndrome with macrothrombocytopenia, Sebastian syndrome, Fechtner syndrome and macrothrombocytopenia with progressive sensorineural deafness.