Kar3Vik1 uses a minus-end directed powerstroke for movement along microtubules.

ABSTRACT: We have used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and helical averaging to examine the 3-D structure of the heterodimeric kinesin-14 Kar3Vik1 complexed to microtubules at a resolution of 2.5 nm. 3-D maps were obtained at key points in Kar3Vik1's nucleotide hydrolysis cycle to gain insight into the mechanism that this motor uses for retrograde motility. In all states where Kar3Vik1 maintained a strong interaction with the microtubule, we found, as observed by cryo-EM, that the motor bound with one head domain while the second head extended outwards. 3-D reconstructions of Kar3Vik1-microtubule complexes revealed that in the nucleotide-free state, the motor's coiled-coil stalk points toward the plus-end of the microtubule. In the ATP-state, the outer head is shown to undergo a large rotation th

SUBMITTER: Cope J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3544905 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature