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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Light-driven Molecular Motors on Surfaces for Single Molecular Imaging

Light-driven Molecular Motors on Surfaces for Single Molecular Imaging

Published on: March 13, 2019

Engineering controllable bidirectional molecular motors based on myosin.

Lu Chen¹, Muneaki Nakamura, Tony D Schindler

¹Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.

Nature Nanotechnology

|February 21, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Scientists engineered myosin motors to reversibly switch their motion direction using calcium signals. This breakthrough offers precise control over molecular motors for cellular processes and advanced diagnostic devices.

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Biophysics
Cellular Mechanics

Background:

Cytoskeletal motors are crucial for intracellular transport and have potential in molecular devices.
Previous research modified biological motors using external signals like metal ions.
Controlling motor properties is key for cellular manipulation and device optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

To engineer myosin motors capable of reversibly changing their direction of motion.
To develop a system for spatiotemporal control over molecular motor function.
To explore applications in molecular diagnostics and cellular engineering.

Main Methods:

Utilized protein engineering based on structural models of myosin VI.
Constructed bidirectional myosins by recombining structural modules.
Validated motor performance using gliding filament assays and single fluorophore tracking.

Main Results:

Successfully engineered myosin motors that reversibly change motion direction in response to calcium signals.
Demonstrated bidirectional movement of engineered myosin motors.
Confirmed motor performance and directional switching capabilities through experimental assays.

Conclusions:

External signals can trigger changes in myosin motor geometry and mechanics.
This strategy enables spatiotemporal control over myosin motor properties like processivity and stride size.
The engineered bidirectional myosins have potential for advanced molecular sorting and directed assembly applications.