Photo-regulated trajectories of gliding microtubules conjugated with DNA

Chem Commun (Camb). 2020 Jul 17;56(57):7953-7956. doi: 10.1039/d0cc03124k.

Abstract

We regulate the persistency in motion of kinesin-driven microtubules (MTs) simply using a photoresponsive DNA (pDNA) and ultraviolet (UV)-visible light. The path persistence length of MTs, which is a measure of the persistency in their motion, increases and decreases upon illuminating the MTs with UV and visible light respectively. Moreover, pDNA is found to work as a shield for MTs against damage under UV irradiation.

MeSH terms

  • Alkynes / chemistry
  • Azo Compounds / chemistry
  • Cycloaddition Reaction
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Kinesins / chemistry*
  • Light
  • Microtubules / chemistry*
  • Motion
  • Photochemical Processes
  • Surface Properties
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Alkynes
  • Azo Compounds
  • DNA
  • Kinesins
  • azobenzene