Cargo Transport by Microtubule-Associated Motor Protein Along Mechanically Deformed Microtubules

Mechanical forces play pivotal roles in regulating various cellular functions. Biomolecular motor protein-driven intracellular transportation is one example which is affected by mechanical forces, although the mechanism at molecular level is unknown. In this chapter, we describe deformation of microtubules under compressive stress and we show that such deformation of microtubules affects the kinetics of dynein-driven cargo transportation along the microtubules. The extent of alteration in the kinetics of dynein-driven transportation is found strongly dependent on the extent of deformation of microtubules under compressive stress.