Microtubules as active tracks for bi-directional cellular traffic of motor proteins

Abstract

The basic cytoskeletal transport in cells is achieved by two oppositely directed processive motor proteins, kinesin and dynein, walking along microtubules. Here, we offer a new view of the mechanism of the transport direction regulation by the intrinsic cell's electric fields that interact with kinks elicited in microtubules. © World Scientific Publishing Company.