Science / Technology - Colloquium
Monday, November 16, 2009
4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Olin Hall
223
Kinesin and cytoplasmic dynein are microtubule-based motor proteins that actively transport material throughout the cell. This transport is vital to effectively moving cargo around the cell. This is especially important in the very long axons that connect the spine to the extremities. Impediments of cargo transport down the axons leads to neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrigs disease, which is the disease affecting physicist Stephen Hawking. To understand the physical properties of these motors, we investigate the innate transport abilities of these motor proteins in vitro. We find that dynein has a greater ability to stay bound in the presence of obstacles on the microtubule track. Kinesin, on the other hand, can move robustly, but dissociates when confronted by a blocked path. Dynein's ability to hang on is likely due to its inherent flexibility and ability to move in reverse. These in vitro capabilities have implications for the cellular roles of these motors.
Refreshments will be served in Olin Hall 223 at 3:40 P.M.
Cost: FREE
Sponsored by: WPI Physics Department, Dr. Erkan Tuzel
Suggested Audiences: College
E-mail:
etuzel@wpi.edu
Phone: 508-831-5391
Last Modified: November 10, 2009 at 2:03 PM
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