Utilization of myosin and actin bundles for the transport of molecular cargo

Small. 2010 Feb 5;6(3):452-7. doi: 10.1002/smll.200901369.

Abstract

The utilization of motor proteins for the movement and assembly of synthetic components is currently a goal of nanoengineering research. Application of the myosin actin motor system for nanotechnological uses has been hampered due to the low flexural rigidity of individual F-actin filaments. Here it is demonstrated how actin bundling can be used to affect the translational behavior of myosin-propelled filaments, transport molecules across a motor-patterned surface, and that the movement of bundled actin can be regulated photonically. These data suggest that actin bundling may significantly improve the applicability of the myosin motor for future nanotechnological applications.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / drug effects
  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Actin Cytoskeleton / radiation effects
  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Biological Transport / drug effects
  • Biological Transport / radiation effects
  • Chickens
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Light
  • Myosins / metabolism*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • Actins
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings
  • blebbistatin
  • Myosins