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Open Access Publications from the University of California

Scholarly Works (2 results)

  • Thesis
  • Peer Reviewed
UC Davis Electronic Theses and Dissertations (2024)

The activation of kinesin motors is a complex and finely regulated process governed by a multitude of factors within the cellular environment. This dissertation investigates the intricate interplay of vesicles, adaptor proteins, and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) in modulating kinesin motor activity. I explored the functional significance of various adaptor proteins, including Nesprin 2G, SKIP, and the pathogenic protein PipB2, in regulating kinesin-mediated intracellular transport. Our findings elucidate the distinct contributions of these adaptors to kinesin activation, shedding light on their roles in physiological and pathological contexts. Additionally, I investigated the influence of MAPs, particularly Map7, on kinesin activation in the presence of the adaptors, revealing intricate regulatory networks governing motor protein dynamics on microtubules. Furthermore, we initiated the development of nanodiscs as a novel tool to mimic lipid environments in vitro, particularly for total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy studies. This innovative approach provides a platform for dissecting the impact of lipid composition on kinesin activation and transport dynamics. Collectively, our research advances our understanding of the complex regulation of kinesin motor activation, offering insights into fundamental cellular processes and potential therapeutic avenues for diseases associated with dysregulated intracellular transport.

    • Article
    • Peer Reviewed
    UC Davis Previously Published Works (2025)
    Nesprin-2 Giant (N2G) is a large integral membrane protein that physically connects the nucleus to the cytoskeleton, but how N2G performs this activity to maintain nuclear positioning and drive nuclear movement is unclear. This study investigates N2Gs role in nucleocytoskeletal coupling, a process critical for cellular function and development. We uncover multiple roles for N2G, including its activity as an F-actin bundler, an adapter that activates kinesin-1 motors, and a mediator of cytoskeletal cross-talk. Notably, N2G directly links kinesin-1 to F-actin, enabling the transport of actin filaments along microtubule tracks, establishing active cross-talk between the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. These findings provide crucial insights into nuclear movement, advancing our understanding of fundamental cellular processes and their implications in development and disease.
      Cover page: Active microtubule-actin cross-talk mediated by a nesprin-2G-kinesin complex.
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