Work

Tuning molecular motor transport through cytoskeletal filament network organization

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Within cells, crosslinking proteins organize cytoskeletal filaments both temporally and spatially to create dynamic and structurally diverse networks. Molecular motors move on these networks for both force generation and transport processes. How the transport statistics depend on the network architecture remains poorly characterized. Using cross-linking proteins (α-actinin, fimbrin, fascin, or filamin) and purified actin, we create cytoskeletal networks with diverse microscopic architectures. We track the motion of myosin II motor proteins moving on these networks and calculate transport statistics. We observe that motor dynamics change predictably based on the bundling of filaments within the underlying networks and discuss implications for network function.

Source: Soft Matter

DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01904a

Authors: Monika Scholz, Kimberly L. Weirich, Margaret L. Gardel, Aaron R. Dinner

Institution: University of Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Cellular Mechanics and Interactions

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Science Foundation, University of Chicago, Division of Materials Research

Awards: Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers, G2867976162, G3499486615, G4644544412, G837711380