Helical motion and torque generation by microtubule motors

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2024 Jun:88:102367. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102367. Epub 2024 May 11.

Abstract

Microtubule motors play key roles in cellular functions, such as transport, mitosis and cell motility. Fueled by ATP hydrolysis, they convert chemical energy into mechanical work, which enables their movement on microtubules. While their motion along the long axis of microtubules has been studied extensively, some motors display an off-axis component, which results in helical motion around microtubules and the generation of torque in addition to linear forces. Understanding these nuanced movements expands our comprehension of motor protein dynamics and their impact on cellular processes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Microtubules* / chemistry
  • Microtubules* / metabolism
  • Molecular Motor Proteins* / chemistry
  • Molecular Motor Proteins* / metabolism
  • Torque*

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins