Neuron movements caused by push, pull of motor proteins, study finds

image showing motor proteins moved along a microtubule using single-molecule fluorescence microscopy

By Mariah R. Lucas

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Neurons, which are responsible for producing the signals that ultimately trigger an action like talking or moving a muscle, are built and maintained by classes of motor proteins that transport molecular cargo along elongated tracks called microtubules. A Penn State-led team of researchers uncovered how two main groups of motor proteins compete to transport cargo in opposite directions between the cell body and the synapse in neurons.  

David Weiss

David Weiss

Distinguished Professor of Physics Associate Head for Research

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Spencer Szczesny

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Mikael Rechtsman

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Sahin Ozdemir

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John Mauro

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Qi Li

Qi Li

Professor of Physics

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