Exploiting molecular motors as nanomachines: the mechanisms of de novo and re-engineered cytoskeletal motors

DelRosso, Nicole; Derr, Nathan D.

doi:10.1016/j.copbio.2016.10.011

Cited by 22 publications

(22 citation statements)

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“…The concept of bioengineering can be applied to motor proteins to obtain nanomachines in which kinesin and dynein would be indispensable components. Kinesin and dynein are particularly interesting, as they are highly specialized motor proteins and have relatively high motility and tunability [61]. The re-engineering of the motor protein can serve to improve the control over the locomotion parameters such as speed, direction, photosensitivity, chemical sensitivity, cargo size, and protein size [61].…”

Section: Engineered Proteinsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Kinesin and dynein are particularly interesting, as they are highly specialized motor proteins and have relatively high motility and tunability [61]. The re-engineering of the motor protein can serve to improve the control over the locomotion parameters such as speed, direction, photosensitivity, chemical sensitivity, cargo size, and protein size [61]. Modification of these parameters allows motor proteins to better perform native tasks or be used for completely novel applications.…”

Section: Engineered Proteinsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In other cases, a simple addition to the protein allows for increased control over the normal function of the protein, essentially allowing the experimenter to direct the motor protein rather than alter the function itself [61]. These controls can be mechanochemical [61,67] or, in other cases, optogenetic [61,68]. At times, the type of preferred control mechanisms can depend on the application and what other factors are at play, so the larger system is not impacted with the use of the control mechanism.…”

Section: Engineered Proteinsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Mechanochemical controls are linked to the sensitivity of a motor protein to calcium, an ion naturally appearing in the body. Experimenters are able to increase the calcium sensitivity in kinesin, allowing for an increase in motility and changing the direction of locomotion [61]. For example, researchers have modified kinesin, to create molecular motors with Ca 2þ controllable motility, by fusing two monomeric kinesins to a M13 peptide and a CaM dimer [67].…”

Section: Engineered Proteinsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Kinesin and Dynein Mechanics: Measurement Methods and Research Applications

Abraham

Hawley

Hayosh

et al. 2018

Journal of Biomechanical Engineering

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Motor proteins play critical roles in the normal function of cells and proper development of organisms. Among motor proteins, failings in the normal function of two types of proteins, kinesin and dynein, have been shown to lead many pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. As such, it is critical to researchers to understand the underlying mechanics and behaviors of these proteins, not only to shed light on how failures may lead to disease, but also to guide research toward novel treatment and nano-engineering solutions. To this end, many experimental techniques have been developed to measure the force and motility capabilities of these proteins. This review will (a) discuss such techniques, specifically microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical trapping, and magnetic tweezers, and (b) the resulting nanomechanical properties of motor protein functions such as stalling force, velocity, and dependence on adenosine triphosophate (ATP) concentrations will be comparatively discussed. Additionally, this review will highlight the clinical importance of these proteins. Furthermore, as the understanding of the structure and function of motor proteins improves, novel applications are emerging in the field. Specifically, researchers have begun to modify the structure of existing proteins, thereby engineering novel elements to alter and improve native motor protein function, or even allow the motor proteins to perform entirely new tasks as parts of nanomachines. Kinesin and dynein are vital elements for the proper function of cells. While many exciting experiments have shed light on their function, mechanics, and applications, additional research is needed to completely understand their behavior.

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Section: Engineered Proteinsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Engineered Proteinsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Engineered Proteinsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Engineered Proteinsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Kinesin and Dynein Mechanics: Measurement Methods and Research Applications

Abraham

Hawley

Hayosh

et al. 2018

Journal of Biomechanical Engineering

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Examples of this include cycling gelators, and transient vesicular systems. DelRosso and Derr then take us through nature's conveyor belts -cytoskeletal transport mechanisms [9]. These are the gold standard of nanoscale transport -directional, long range, and efficient.…”

Section: Using Nanoscience To Advance Biotechnologymentioning

confidence: 99%