title: Reversible switching of microtubule motility using thermoresponsive polymer surfaces.
abstract: We report a novel approach for the dynamic control of gliding microtubule motility by external stimuli. Our approach is based on the fabrication of a composite surface where functional kinesin motor-molecules are adsorbed onto a silicon substrate between surface-grafted polymer chains of thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). By external temperature control between 27 and 35 degrees C, we demonstrate the reversible landing, gliding, and releasing of motor-driven microtubules in response to conformational changes of the polymer chains. Our method represents a versatile means to control the activity of biomolecular motors, and other surface-coupled enzyme systems, in bionanotechnological applications.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Leonid
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ionov
authors.forename: Manfred
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stamm
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Diez
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D016547:Kinesins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008870:Microtubules / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D009038:Motion; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins; C052970:poly-N-isopropylacrylamide; D016547:Kinesins