Tuning microtubule-based transport through filamentous MAPs: the problem of dynein.

ABSTRACT: We recently proposed that regulating the single-to-multiple motor transition was a likely strategy for regulating kinesin-based transport in vivo. In this study, we use an in vitro bead assay coupled with an optical trap to investigate how this proposed regulatory mechanism affects dynein-based transport. We show that tau's regulation of kinesin function can proceed without interfering with dynein-based transport. Surprisingly, at extremely high tau levels--where kinesin cannot bind microtubules (MTs)--dynein can still contact MTs. The difference between tau's effects on kinesin- and dynein-based motility suggests that tau can be used to tune relative amounts of plus-end and minus-end-directed transport. As in the case of kinesin, we find that the 3RS isoform of tau is a more potent inhibi

SUBMITTER: Vershinin M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2958055 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature