Dynein

Dynein is a family of cytoskeletal motor proteins that move along microtubules in cells. They convert the chemical energy stored in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into mechanical work.

Structure

Dyneins are large protein complexes composed of several different subunits. The heavy chain contains the motor domain with ATPase activity, while the intermediate and light chains are involved in cargo binding and regulation of dynein activity.

Function

Dyneins transport various cellular cargos towards the minus-end of microtubules, which is usually oriented towards the cell center. This is in contrast to kinesin motor proteins that move towards the plus-end. Dyneins are involved in many cellular processes, including mitosis, vesicle transport, and cell migration.

Types

There are two types of dynein: cytoplasmic and axonemal. Cytoplasmic dynein is involved in intracellular transport, while axonemal dynein is part of the structure of cilia and flagella.

Clinical significance

Mutations in dynein genes can cause several human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and ciliopathies. For example, mutations in the gene encoding cytoplasmic dynein can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

See also

• Microtubule
• Motor protein
• Cytoskeleton

References

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