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Nature 435, 285-287 (19 May 2005) | doi:10.1038/435285a; Published online 18 May 2005
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Molecular motors: Kinesin steps back
Justin E. Molloy1 & Stephan Schmitz1
Abstract
Kinesin is a protein motor that ferries membrane-bound packages around cells — but only in one direction. Forcing it into reverse provides clues to its inner workings and to how molecular machines might be engineered.
Kinesin can carry a packet of neurotransmitter from your spine to the tip of your finger in about two days — a journey that would take a thousand years if left to simple diffusion. This molecular motor 'steps' along the microtubules that form the cytoskeletal scaffolding of cells, by converting chemical energy into mechanical work.
- Justin E. Molloy and Stephan Schmitz are in the Division of Physical Biochemistry, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK.
Email: jmolloy@nimr.mrc.ac.uk
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