A general two-cycle network model of molecular motors

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive mechanochemical network model for two-head molecular motors, providing explicit formulas for their velocity by generalizing existing single-cycle models.

Contribution

It extends previous models to encompass multiple cycles in molecular motors, offering a more general and explicit mathematical framework.

Findings

Derived an explicit velocity formula for two-head molecular motors.

Generalized single-cycle motor models to multi-cycle networks.

Enhanced understanding of motor velocity based on mechanochemical states.

Abstract

Molecular motors are single macromolecules that generate forces at the piconewton range and nanometer scale. They convert chemical energy into mechanical work by moving along filamentous structures. In this paper, we study the velocity of two-head molecular motors in the framework of a mechanochemical network theory. The network model, a generalization of the recently work of Liepelt and Lipowsky (PRL 98, 258102 (2007)), is based on the discrete mechanochemical states of a molecular motor with multiple cycles. By generalizing the mathematical method developed by Fisher and Kolomeisky for single cycle motor (PNAS(2001) 98(14) P7748-7753), we are able to obtain an explicit formula for the velocity of a molecular motor.