Processive actin-based motor that can move in large steps approximating the 36-nm pseudo-repeat of the actin filament. Involved in melanosome transport. Also mediates the transport of vesicles to the plasma membrane. May also be required for some polarization process involved in dendrite formation. May be a homodimer, which associates with multiple calmodulin or myosin light chains (By similarity). Interacts with RIPL2, the interaction is required for its role in dendrite formation (PubMed:19812310). Interacts with MLPH. Interacts with SYTL4 (By similarity). Interacts with MYRIP (By similarity). Interacts with RAB10; mediates the transport to the plasma membrane of SLC2A4/GLUT4 storage vesicles (By similarity). Interacts with FMR1; this interaction occurs in association with polyribosome (By similarity). Defects in Myo5a are a cause of Dilute-opisthotonus (dop). Dop rats have diluted coat color and are occasionally associated with severe neurological disorders. Belongs to the TRAFAC class myosin-kinesin ATPase superfamily. Myosin family.