AVS 46th International Symposium
    Biomaterial Interfaces Group Wednesday Sessions
       Session BI-WeA

Paper BI-WeA5
Engineered Nanostructures to Control Microtubule Motion Along Kinesin Tracks

Wednesday, October 27, 1999, 3:20 pm, Room 613/614

Session: Biology at the Nanoscale
Presenter: J.S. Clemmens, University of Washington
Authors: J.S. Clemmens, University of Washington
J.R. Dennis, University of Washington
J. Howard, University of Washington
V. Vogel, University of Washington
Correspondent: Click to Email
Motor proteins such as kinesin have evolved to transport molecules over long distances along microtubules within cells. The objective of this study is to engineer molecular tracks of motor proteins to direct the motion of microtubules on nanoengineered synthetic surfaces. We have demonstrated that kinesin moves microtubules parallel to nanoscale ridges of shear-deposited poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) films,@footnote 1@ presumably due to preferential adsorption of kinesin along specific topographical features. Additionally, we have observed that other proteins adsorb similarly to shear-deposited PTFE films. We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of these phenomena in order to delineate design principles for engineering tracks of kinesin. To accomplish this aim, surfaces have been fabricated with well-defined nanoscale pits and grooves and systematically tested for their ability to preferentially adsorb proteins or motors from solution. Once important topographical features are identified, tracks following specified paths can be engineered. This is the first step in making molecular shuttles that can move, load, and unload cargo between user-controlled locations and against concentration gradients. In the future molecular shuttles may form the basis of transporting molecular cargo through synthetic matrices. @FootnoteText@ @footnote 1@Dennis, JR et al. "Molecular shuttles: directed motion of microtubules along kinesin tracks" Nanotechnology, in press. (1999)