Computational modelling of the collective stochastic motion of Kinesin nano motors

TL;DR

This paper presents a 2D stochastic molecular dynamics model for Kinesin motor proteins, capturing their collective motion and traffic jam phenomena on microtubules, with implications for understanding intracellular transport.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel 2D stochastic model that accurately reproduces Kinesin movement and traffic jams, advancing the understanding of intracellular motor dynamics.

Findings

Model reproduces hand-over-hand Kinesin motion

Velocity and current decrease at high motor densities

Traffic jams form beyond a critical density

Abstract

We have developed a two dimensional stochastic molecular dynamics model for the description of intra cellular collective motion of bio motors, in particular Kinesins, on a microtubular track. The model is capable or reproducing the hand-over-hand mechanism of the directed motion along the microtubule. The model gives the average directed velocity and the current of Kinesins along the microtubule. It is shown that beyond a certain density of Kinesins, the average velocity and current undergo notable decrease which is due to formation of traffic jams in the system.