Dresden 2014 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 1: Molecular Motors

BP 1.1: Topical Talk

Monday, March 31, 2014, 09:30–10:00, HÜL 386

What determines the path of kinesin motors along the microtubules? — •Zeynep Ökten — TU München, Germany

In long-range transport of cargo, prototypical kinesin-1 steps along a single protofilament on the microtubule, an astonishing behavior given the number of theoretically available binding sites on adjacent protofilaments. Using a laser trap assay, we analyzed the trajectories of several representatives from the kinesin-2 class on freely suspended microtubules. In stark contrast to kinesin-1, these motors display a wide range of left-handed spiraling around microtubules and thus generate torque during cargo transport. We provide direct evidence that kinesin*s neck region determines the torque generating properties. Disrupting the stability of the neck by inserting flexible peptide stretches resulted in pronounced left-handed spiraling. Mimicking neck stability by crosslinking significantly reduced the spiraling of the motor up to the point of protofilament tracking.