How do we control the actions of neuronal "couriers"?

Inside neurons, motor proteins transport valuables along thread-like roads called microtubule tracks

This system of miniature highways is critical for keeping neurons healthy: When traffic is flowing, key materials are able to reach distant areas of the cell where they are needed

Now, scientists have discovered a new traffic control tool

"Our paper details how GSK3β attaches a molecular tag to the kinesin 1 motor, which stops the motor without getting out of the microtubule orbit

"Cargo transport by motors is a tightly coordinated process, but the molecular mechanisms that control these 'motors' along microtubule tracks remain largely unknown

"Our work provides insight into how the enzyme GSK3β acts as a key regulator of the kinesin 1 motor," added Banerjee

These findings, based on laboratory experiments, including Drosophila larval neurons, may open the door to future studies of pausing movement as a mechanism for treating disease

Gunawardena highlights cancer as a potential example: "In cancer, cells divide rapidly, and motors are involved

From another perspective, she notes, "In some neurodegenerative diseases, you see cargo jams inside neurons because things get stuck in the way

Co-authors of the study also include Piyali Chakraborty, a master's graduate of Ulaanbaatar University's neuroscience program, and Dr.

In addition to detailing how GSK3β prevents kinesin 1 motility, the study explores other aspects of the enzyme's interaction with motor proteins, and the results underscore the idea that GSK3β plays an important role in fine-tuning kinesin 1 motility within the organism's neurons

"The paper highlights fine-tuning of motor function as a potential approach to repair trafficking defects that contribute to neurodegeneration and cancer," Banerjee said

article title

A stop or go switch: glycogen synthase kinase 3β phosphorylation of the kinesin 1 motor domain at Ser314 halts motility without detaching from microtubules