Altering the microtubule kinesin nanomechanics in the presence of metallic ions

Abstract

Microtubules play an important role in intraneuronal communication. A barrier to microtubule mediated neuronal transport can initiate dementia. The nanoscale modeling of these biological events is expected to be useful for healthcare applications and auxiliary biosensor based diagnostics. Here, we report a model system by using an in vitro bio-motility assay to predict events related to dementia at excess metal ion concentration. We demonstrate how metal ions (calcium, iron, zinc) at pathophysiologically relevant concentrations have the ability to affect the gliding motion of microtubules on kinesin. The addition of the neurotransmitter (acetyl choline) has no apparent effect on MT gliding. Therefore, the reagents that can stabilize the bio-motility system have potential to regulate dementia.