Five models for myosin V

TL;DR

This paper reviews five theoretical models of myosin V, a well-studied motor protein, discussing their commonalities and open questions about its mechanistic details.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of existing models for myosin V and highlights unresolved issues in understanding its function.

Findings

Identifies key open questions in myosin V mechanics

Compares different theoretical models and their assumptions

Highlights areas for future experimental investigation

Abstract

Myosin V was the first discovered processive motor from the myosin family. It has therefore been subject of a number of mechanical, kinetic, optical and structural studies and now belongs to the best characterised motor proteins. This effort has been accompanied by a number of different theoretical models. In this article we give an overview of them and discuss what they have in common and where the open questions are. The latter include the existence of sub-steps, the process that limits the run length, the nature of backward steps, the flexibility of the lever arm and the state of the lead head.