Prime movers: the mechanochemistry of mitotic kinesins

The Prime Movers in Hominid Encephalization

Prime Movers of Synaptic Vesicle Exocytosis

Chemical synapses contain specialized pre- and postsynaptic structures that underlie rapid synaptic transmission and its modulation. Studies of postsynaptic organization have revealed a network of interacting proteins that enable rapid synaptic responses and their modulation. Recent genetic and electrophysiological studies on two active zone proteins-RIM and Munc13-reveal important roles in pri...

Cooperation between Mitotic Kinesins Controls the Late Stages of Cytokinesis

Cell division is regulated by protein kinases of the Cdk, Polo, and Aurora families. Although it has long been established that temporal control is central to the coordinated action of these kinases, the importance of spatial regulation has only recently been appreciated and is still poorly understood. The kinesin-6 family motor protein MKlp1 is a key regulator of cytokinesis and an ideal subst...

The divergent mitotic kinesin MKLP2 exhibits atypical structure and mechanochemistry

MKLP2, a kinesin-6, has critical roles during the metaphase-anaphase transition and cytokinesis. Its motor domain contains conserved nucleotide binding motifs, but is divergent in sequence (~35% identity) and size (~40% larger) compared to other kinesins. Using cryo-electron microscopy and biophysical assays, we have undertaken a mechanochemical dissection of the microtubule-bound MKLP2 motor d...

Inhibitors of Mitotic Kinesins for Cancer Treatment: Consequences for Neurons

Cancer is among the greatest and most expensive medical challenges in the world, and potentially escalating in prevalence as more carcinogens are introduced into the environment. Not surprisingly, there are ongoing efforts to develop novel therapies, as effective treatments would positively impact the landscape for society. Cancer involves abnormal cells that rapidly proliferate, move, and inva...