Publications [#354122] of Christoph F. Schmidt
search PubMed.Papers Submitted
- Fanomezana M. Ranaivoson, Amna Abdalla Mohammed Khalid, Carlos Kikuti, Helena Sirkia, Ahmed El Marjou, I-Mei Yu, Steven S. Rosenfeld, Christoph F. Schmidt and Anne Houdusse, The mitotic kinesin-6 KIF20A is an unconventional 2 transporter and network builder,
Nature Communications
(September, 2020) (manuscript rejected.) .
(last updated on 2020/12/21)Abstract:
The kinesin-6 KIF20A critically participates in cell division and is a promising anti-cancer drug target. The mechanisms underlying its cellular roles remain elusive. We present here the first high resolution structure of KIF20A as well as functional studies that provide insights into how this atypical kinesin works as a transporter and a microtubule organizer. While KIF20A has been described as a slowly processive transport motor, we find that it also has a remarkable capability to contract microtubules into open-porous networks. Structural insights from the KIF20A pre-power stroke conformation highlight the role of extended insertions in the motor domain in shaping the motor mechanochemical cycle. In particular, key functions are uncovered for the C-terminal neck linker, which is much longer than that of other kinesins. By elongating its mechanical element, this dimeric kinesin has acquired the ability to organize MTs into mesoscopic structures without losing its capacity to transport on microtubules.