Hindering loads prompt clustered configurations that enhance stability during cargo transport by multiple Kinesin-1

TL;DR

This paper reveals how kinesin-1 motors coordinate under different loads and ATP levels to optimize cargo transport, showing load-induced clustering and separation strategies that enhance stability and robustness.

Contribution

It uncovers the steady state behaviors and load-dependent clustering mechanisms of kinesin-1 motors, providing analytical insights into their coordination during cargo transport.

Findings

Multi-motor configurations are favored at low ATP levels.

High load forces induce motor clustering, aiding cargo stability.

Very high loads cause motors to separate, enabling quick cargo movement.

Abstract

Transport of intracellular cargo is often mediated by teams of molecular motors that function in a chaotic environment under varying conditions. We show that the motors have unique steady state behavior which enables transport modalities that are robust. Under reduced ATP concentrations, multi-motor configurations are preferred over single motors. Higher load force drives motors to cluster, but very high loads compel them to separate in a manner that promotes immediate cargo movement once the load subsides. These inferences, backed by analytical guarantees, provide unique insights into the coordination strategies adopted by molecular motors to transport intracellular cargo.