Eg5 steps it up!
Understanding how molecular motors generate force and move microtubules in mitosis is essential to understanding the physical mechanism of cell division. Recent measurements have shown that one mitotic kinesin superfamily member, Eg5, is mechanically processive and capable of crosslinking and sliding microtubules in vitro. In this review, we highlight recent work that explores how Eg5 functions under load, with an emphasis on the nanomechanical properties of single enzymes.
Valentine
Megan T
MT
Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. mvalenti@stanford.edu
Fordyce
Polly M
PM
Block
Steven M
SM