Cytoplasmic dynein

Biochem Soc Trans. 2011 Oct;39(5):1169-78. doi: 10.1042/BST0391169.

Abstract

The organization and function of eukaryotic cells rely on the action of many different molecular motor proteins. Cytoplasmic dynein drives the movement of a wide range of cargoes towards the minus ends of microtubules, and these events are needed, not just at the single-cell level, but are vital for correct development. In the present paper, I review recent progress on understanding dynein's mechanochemistry, how it is regulated and how it binds to such a plethora of cargoes. The importance of a number of accessory factors in these processes is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport / physiology
  • Cytoplasmic Dyneins / chemistry
  • Cytoplasmic Dyneins / genetics
  • Cytoplasmic Dyneins / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Isoforms / chemistry
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism*
  • Protein Subunits / chemistry
  • Protein Subunits / genetics
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Protein Subunits
  • Cytoplasmic Dyneins