Tuning the "roadblock" effect in kinesin-based transport.

Abstract

Major efforts are underway to harness motor proteins for technical applications. Yet how to best attach cargo to microtubules that serve as kinesin-driven "molecular shuttles" without compromising transport performance remains challenging. Furthermore, microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) can block motor protein-powered transport in neurons, which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases. Again it is unclear how different physical roadblock parameters interfere with the stepping motion of kinesins. Here, we employ a series of MAPs, tailored (strept)avidins, and DNA as model roadblocks and determine how their geometrical, nanomechanical, and electrochemical properties can reduce kinesin-mediated transport. Our results provide insights into kinesin transport regulation and might facilitate the choice of appropriate cargo linkers for motor protein-driven transport devices.

• Authors: Claudia Schmidt, Bokyung Kim, Henrik Grabner, Jonas Ries, Markku Kulomaa, Viola Vogel
• Journal: Nano letters (Nano Lett) Vol. 12 Issue 7 Pg. 3466-71 (Jul 11 2012) ISSN: 1530-6992 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22655595 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Microtubule-Associated Proteins
• Avidin
• DNA
• Streptavidin
• Kinesins

Topics

• Avidin (chemistry, metabolism)
• DNA (chemistry, metabolism)
• Electrochemical Techniques
• Kinesins (antagonists & inhibitors, chemistry, metabolism)
• Mechanical Phenomena
• Microtubule-Associated Proteins (chemistry, metabolism)
• Microtubules (chemistry, metabolism)
• Streptavidin (chemistry, metabolism)