UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO BUFFALO, N.Y. — Inside neurons, motor proteins haul precious cargo, moving essential goods along thread-like roadways called microtubule tracks. This miniature highway system is vital for keeping neurons healthy: When traffic is flowing well, critical materials are able to reach distant areas of the cells where they’re needed. When the system breaks...
Tag: <span>motor proteins</span>
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Study shows why anesthetic stops cell’s walkers in their tracks
RICE UNIVERSITY IMAGE: Researchers simulated the mechanism that allows propofol, a common anesthetic, to halt the movement of kinesin proteins that deliver cargoes in cells. When propofol attaches to the leading head, it weakens strain on the two-headed protein that prompts a step forward. The disruption allows ATP to bind to both heads, releasing them...