Force-velocity relations for multiple-molecular-motor transport

TL;DR

This paper develops a model for cargo transport by multiple molecular motors, showing how the collective force-velocity relationship depends on single motor characteristics, with implications for understanding motor coordination.

Contribution

It introduces a transition rate model that derives multi-motor force-velocity curves from single motor data, revealing complex velocity behaviors at low loads.

Findings

Velocity can increase or decrease with motor number at low load

Most cases show velocity decreases as motor number increases

Model explains recent experimental observations

Abstract

A transition rate model of cargo transport by $N$ molecular motors is proposed. Under the assumption of steady state, the force-velocity curve of multi-motor system can be derived from the force-velocity curve of single motor. Our work shows, in the case of low load, the velocity of multi-motor system can decrease or increase with increasing motor number, which is dependent on the single motor force-velocity curve. And most commonly, the velocity decreases. This gives a possible explanation to some recent