plus-end-directed organelle transport along microtubule

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The directed movement of an organelle towards the plus end of a microtubule, mediated by motor proteins. This process begins with the attachment of an organelle to a microtubule, and ends when the organelle reaches its final destination. [GOC:BHF, GOC:mah]

Plus-end-directed organelle transport along microtubules is a fundamental cellular process that drives the movement of organelles, vesicles, and other cellular components throughout the cytoplasm. It is a highly regulated and dynamic process that relies on the interplay of motor proteins, microtubule dynamics, and signaling pathways.

Microtubules are dynamic polymers of alpha- and beta-tubulin subunits that form long, hollow filaments extending from the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) toward the cell periphery. They act as tracks for the movement of motor proteins, which are responsible for transporting cargo along these tracks.

Plus-end-directed transport is driven by motor proteins called kinesins. Kinesins are a diverse family of proteins that bind to and move along microtubules, utilizing the energy from ATP hydrolysis to power their movement. Kinesins move toward the plus end of microtubules, which is typically located at the cell periphery.

The process of plus-end-directed organelle transport involves several key steps:

1. **Cargo binding:** Kinesins bind to their cargo through specific adaptor proteins. These adaptors recognize and bind to specific signals on the cargo, such as specific lipid modifications or protein domains.
2. **Microtubule binding:** Once bound to their cargo, kinesins bind to the microtubule track. The binding of kinesins to microtubules is regulated by several factors, including the presence of specific microtubule modifications and the concentration of signaling molecules.
3. **Motor activity:** Once bound to the microtubule, kinesins utilize the energy from ATP hydrolysis to move along the track. Kinesins move in a hand-over-hand fashion, with one motor domain bound to the microtubule while the other swings forward to bind to a new site.
4. **Cargo delivery:** Kinesins transport their cargo to specific locations within the cell. The destination of the cargo is determined by the type of kinesin involved, the specific signal recognized by the adaptor protein, and the organization of the microtubule network.

The plus-end-directed organelle transport along microtubules is crucial for a variety of cellular functions, including:

- **Delivery of proteins and lipids to the cell periphery:** This process is essential for maintaining cell structure and function, as well as for the secretion of proteins and other molecules.
- **Vesicle trafficking:** The movement of vesicles along microtubules is essential for the delivery of cargo to specific compartments within the cell, such as the Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes.
- **Organelle positioning:** Plus-end-directed transport plays a crucial role in the positioning of organelles within the cell, which is essential for proper cell function and division.
- **Cell migration:** The movement of organelles along microtubules is involved in the directed movement of cells, such as during embryonic development and immune responses.

In addition to kinesins, other factors play a role in regulating plus-end-directed organelle transport, including:

- **Microtubule dynamics:** The dynamic nature of microtubules, with their ability to grow and shrink, is essential for the movement of organelles.
- **Signaling pathways:** Signaling pathways regulate the activity of kinesins and other proteins involved in organelle transport, ensuring that the process is coordinated with other cellular processes.

Overall, the plus-end-directed organelle transport along microtubules is a highly complex and regulated process that is essential for a variety of cellular functions. This process relies on the interplay of motor proteins, microtubule dynamics, and signaling pathways to ensure the efficient and accurate movement of organelles and other cellular components throughout the cell.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (18)