Microtubule length regulation by molecular motors

Phys Rev Lett. 2012 Jun 22;108(25):258104. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.258104. Epub 2012 Jun 22.

Abstract

Length regulation of microtubules (MTs) is essential for many cellular processes. Molecular motors like kinesin-8, which move along MTs and also act as depolymerases, are known as key players in MT dynamics. However, the regulatory mechanisms of length control remain elusive. Here, we investigate a stochastic model accounting for the interplay between polymerization kinetics and motor-induced depolymerization. We determine the dependence of MT length and variance on rate constants and motor concentration. Moreover, our analyses reveal how collective phenomena lead to a well-defined MT length.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Eukaryotic Cells / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins