diameter) were allowed to traverse the intersection and recorded. ⢠MT separation distance. ⢠Cargo size. ⢠Local microrheology. * indicates p
Geometry Matters for Cargos Navigating 3D Microtubule Intersections Jared Bergman1,†, Matthew Bovyn2,†, Florence Doval1, Abhimanyu Sharma1, Manasa Gudheti1, Steven Gross2, Jun Allard2,‡, Michael Vershinin1,‡ 1
2
Center for Complex Biological Systems
Eukaryotic cells transport organelles and other cargos along microtubules (MTs) to control their distribution within the cell and deliver them to distant locations. While we understand how molecular motors can transport cargos along individual MTs, the cell’s MTs are usually arranged in a complex 3D network. While traversing this network, cargos need to navigate intersections where MTs cross. What determines whether cargos continue along the original MT, or switch to the intersecting one? Here we present in vitro investigation and modeling of cargos navigating MT intersections in 3D.
†,‡ equal contribution
Experimental Result
Geometry Explains Tug-of-War Probability A heuristic model which poses the ToW probability as a competition between rate of binding to the crossing MT and rate of leaving the zone where the cargo can reach the crossing MT reproduces experimental results.
Switching probability depends strongly on intersection geometry.
