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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2021.10.11.463918

TMAO regulates the rigidity of kinesin-propelled microtubules

Munmun, T.·Kabir, A. M. R.·Sada, K.·Kakugo, A.
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Abstract

We demonstrate that the rigidity of the microtubules (MTs), propelled by kinesins in an in vitro gliding assay, can be modulated using the deep-sea osmolyte trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). By varying the concentration of TMAO in the gliding assay, the rigidity of the MTs is modulated over a wide range. By employing this approach, we are able to reduce the persistence length of MTs, a measure of MT rigidity, [~]8 fold using TMAO of the concentration of 1.5 M. The rigidity of gliding MTs can be restored by eliminating the TMAO from the gliding assay. This work offers a simple strategy to regulate the rigidity of kinesin-propelled MTs in situ and would widen the applications of biomolecular motors in nanotechnology, materials science, and bioengineering.

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Munmun, T., Kabir, A. M. R., Sada, K., Kakugo, A.. 2021-10-12. TMAO regulates the rigidity of kinesin-propelled microtubules. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.11.463918

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