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Force-velocity relation for growing microtubules.

A B Kolomeisky1, M E Fisher

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005-1892, USA.

Biophysical Journal
|February 13, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Microtubule dynamics are crucial for cell function. A new theory explains microtubule growth under force, revealing a kinetically controlled stall state rather than simple equilibrium.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Microtubule polymerization and depolymerization generate forces vital for cellular processes.
  • Previous analyses of microtubule growth velocity (V) under opposing force (F) deviated from equilibrium theory.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a theory that accurately describes microtubule growth dynamics under load.
  • To reconcile experimental data with theoretical predictions for microtubule stall force.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of mean work done against external load.
  • Incorporation of load-distribution factors for polymerization ('on') and depolymerization ('off') rates.
  • Comparison of theoretical predictions with experimental measurements of microtubule growth velocity.

Main Results:

  • A simple theory considering work and load distribution shows good agreement with experimental data.
  • The dissociation ('off') rate accounts for ~80% of load variation, but the polymerization ('on') rate dominates force dependence.
  • The theory predicts a plausible stall force and a displacement length (d(1)) longer than the dimer length (d(0)).

Conclusions:

  • The stationary stall state of microtubules is kinetically controlled and dissipative, not a simple thermal equilibrium.
  • This revised understanding of microtubule force generation has implications for cellular mechanics.

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