Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics

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In neuronal axons, transport of vesicles is mediated by motor proteins such as kinesin and dynein. Our recent results have revealed that microtubules, which have previously been considered as passive tracks for kinesin, are actually quite dynamic: During the movement of kinesin, we have found that microtubules change their affinity for kinesin over a range of microns in length. The result suggests that the transition state of microtubules may play some role in the mechanism of motility. Our research goal is to understand the molecular mechanism underlying the state transition of microtubules, and to elucidate how it is involved in the motility of motor proteins.