Stepping, strain gating, and an unexpected force-velocity curve for multiple-motor-based transport.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intracellular transport via processive kinesin, dynein, and myosin molecular motors plays an important role in maintaining cell structure and function. In many cases, cargoes move distances longer than expected for single motors; there is significant evidence that this increased travel is in part due to multiple motors working together to move the cargoes. Although we understand single motors experimentally and theoretically, our understanding of multiple motors working together is less developed.

Results

We theoretically investigate how multiple kinesin motors function. Our model includes stochastic fluctuations of each motor as it proceeds through its enzymatic cycle. Motors dynamically influence each other and function in the presence of thermal noise and visco

SUBMITTER: Kunwar A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3385514 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature