Recording single motor proteins in the cytoplasm of mammalian cells.
Biomolecular motors are central to the function and regulation of all cellular transport systems. The molecular mechanisms by which motors generate force and motion along cytoskeletal filaments have been mostly studied in vitro using a variety of approaches, including several single-molecule techniques. While such studies have revealed significant insights into the chemomechanical transduction mechanisms of motors, important questions remain unanswered as to how motors work in cells. To understand how motor activity is regulated and how motors orchestrate the transport of specific cargoes to the proper subcellular domain requires analysis of motor function in vivo. Many transport processes in cells are believed to be powered by single or very few motor molecules, which makes it essential to track, in real time and with nanometer resolution, individual motors and their associated cargoes and tracks. Here we summarize, contrast, and compare recent methodological advances, many relying on advanced fluorescent labeling, genetic tagging, and imaging techniques, that lay the foundation for groundbreaking approaches and discoveries. In addition, to illustrate the impact and capabilities for these methods, we highlight novel biological findings where appropriate.
Cai
Dawen
D
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Kaul
Neha
N
Lionberger
Troy A
TA
Wiener
Diane M
DM
Verhey
Kristen J
KJ
Meyhofer
Edgar
E
D000818:Animals; D002477:Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000737:chemistry*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D053758:Nanoparticles; D045663:Quantum Dots; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins