A direct interaction between cytoplasmic dynein and kinesin I may coordinate motor activity

J Biol Chem. 2004 Apr 30;279(18):19201-8. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M313472200. Epub 2004 Feb 24.

Abstract

Cytoplasmic dynein and kinesin I are both unidirectional intracellular motors. Dynein moves cargo toward the cell center, and kinesin moves cargo toward the cell periphery. There is growing evidence that bi-directional motility is regulated in the cell, potentially through direct interactions between oppositely oriented motors. We have identified a direct interaction between cytoplasmic dynein and kinesin I. Using the yeast two-hybrid assay and affinity chromatography, we demonstrate that the intermediate chain of dynein binds to kinesin light chains 1 and 2. The interaction is both direct and specific. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate an interaction between endogenous proteins in rat brain cytosol. Double-label immunocytochemistry reveals a partial co-localization of vesicle-associated motor proteins. Together these observations suggest that soluble motors can interact, potentially allowing kinesin I to actively localize dynein to cellular sites of function. There is also a vesicle population with both dynein and kinesin I bound that may be capable of bi-directional motility along cellular microtubules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement*
  • Cytoplasm / chemistry*
  • Cytoplasmic Vesicles / chemistry
  • Dyneins / metabolism*
  • Dyneins / physiology
  • Epithelial Cells / chemistry
  • Epithelial Cells / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Kinesins / metabolism*
  • Kinesins / physiology
  • Mice
  • Microtubules / chemistry
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / physiology
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Interaction Mapping
  • Protein Transport
  • Rats

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Dyneins
  • Kinesins