Transition of Q-dot distribution on microtubule array enclosed by PDMS sealing for axonal transport model

Abstract

In this paper, we show a reconstruction of kinesin driven transport system in three dimensionally (3D) enclosed channels whose scale is similar to axons. Our experimental method enabled successful motility of a large number of kinesin-labeled Q-dots on microtubules (MTs) in enclosed channels. To control the direction of kinesin motility, we prepared a polarity-defined MT array in channels. Due to the directional motility of kinesin, time evolutional accumulation of transported Q-dot at one end of enclosed channels, where corresponds to microtubule (MT) plus end, was observed. This is the first step for an in vitro model of motor protein-based active transport with a 3D spatial confinement mimicking intracellular environment, which is applicable to analyze a regulation mechanism of intracellular transport.