Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Reese L
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3207156 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Reese Louis L Melbinger Anna A Frey Erwin E
Biophysical journal 20111101 9
The assembly and disassembly dynamics of microtubules (MTs) is tightly controlled by MT-associated proteins. Here, we investigate how plus-end-directed depolymerases of the kinesin-8 family regulate MT depolymerization dynamics. Using an individual-based model, we reproduce experimental findings. Moreover, crowding is identified as the key regulatory mechanism of depolymerization dynamics. Our analysis reveals two qualitatively distinct regimes. For motor densities above a particular threshold, ...[more]