Monte Carlo modeling of single-molecule cytoplasmic dynein.

ABSTRACT: Molecular motors are responsible for active transport and organization in the cell, underlying an enormous number of crucial biological processes. Dynein is more complicated in its structure and function than other motors. Recent experiments have found that, unlike other motors, dynein can take different size steps along microtubules depending on load and ATP concentration. We use Monte Carlo simulations to model the molecular motor function of cytoplasmic dynein at the single-molecule level. The theory relates dynein's enzymatic properties to its mechanical force production. Our simulations reproduce the main features of recent single-molecule experiments that found a discrete distribution of dynein step sizes, depending on load and ATP concentration. The model reproduces the large steps

SUBMITTER: Singh MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1189307 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature