# Localization of a microtubule organizing center by kinesin motors

## TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical model for the positioning of microtubule organizing centers in cells, highlighting how kinesin motor dynamics can lead to precise localization through stochastic interactions.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel stochastic particle model for kinesin-driven microtubule network positioning, exploring mechanisms of MTOC localization in a simplified cell system.

## Key findings

- Localization at the system center occurs with increasing motor density along microtubules.
- Asymmetric localization can be achieved by tuning kinesin attachment and detachment rates.
- The model explains how motor dynamics influence MTOC positioning in cells.

## Abstract

The microtubule (MT) motor Kip3p is very processive kinesin that promotes catastrophes and pausing in particular on cortical contact. These properties explain the role of Kip3p in positioning the mitotic spindle in budding yeast and potentially other processes controlled by kinesin-8 family members. We present a theoretical approach to positioning of a MT network in a cell. In order to explore the underlying mechanism we introduce an idealized system of two MTs connected by a microtubule organizing center (MTOC). The dynamics of Kip3p is modeled by interacting stochastic particles, which allows us to study the effects of motor-induced depolymerization under spatial confinement. We find that localization in the middle of the system is realized in a parameter regime where the motor densities on the MTs are increasing with the distance from the MTOC. Localization at an asymmetric position is also possible by tuning the kinesin input rates at the MT minus ends or attachment rates depending on different compartments of the cell.