Dynamic properties of molecular motors in the divided-pathway model

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2009 Jun 28;11(24):4815-20. doi: 10.1039/b901214a. Epub 2009 Apr 9.

Abstract

The mechanisms of molecular motors transport are important for understanding multiple biological processes. Recent single-molecule experiments indicate that motor proteins myosin V moves along protein filaments via a complex biochemical pathway that consists of sequentially coupled linear and parallel two-chain segments. We investigate analytically the corresponding discrete-state stochastic divided-pathway model for molecular motors transport. Explicit expressions are obtained for velocities and dispersions. The dynamic properties of motor proteins in the divided-pathway model are compared with those in single-chain linear and parallel-pathway stochastic models. It is argued that modifying biochemical pathways has a strong effect on the dynamic properties, and it allows motor proteins to be more flexible in performing their biological functions.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Kinetics
  • Models, Biological*
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Myosin Type V / metabolism

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Myosin Type V