Microtubule Length Regulation by Molecular Motors

Melbinger, Anna; Reese, Louis und Frey, Erwin (Juni 2012): Microtubule Length Regulation by Molecular Motors. In: Physical Review Letters, Bd. 108, Nr. 25: S. 258104-1

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.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Publikationsform: Publisher's Version
• Fakultät: Physik
• Themengebiete: 500 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik > 530 Physik
• ISSN: 0031-9007
• Ort: ONE PHYSICS ELLIPSE, COLLEGE PK, MD 20740-3844 USA
• Sprache: Englisch