Kinesin force generation measured using a centrifuge microscope sperm-gliding motility assay

Biophysical Journal
K HallR J Baskin

Abstract

To measure force generation and characterize the relationship between force and velocity in kinesin-driven motility we have developed a centrifuge microscope sperm-gliding motility assay. The average (extrapolated) value of maximum isometric force at low kinesin density was 0.90 +/- 0.14 pN. Furthermore, in the experiments at low kinesin density, sperm pulled off before stall at forces between 0.40 and 0.75 pN. To further characterize our kinesin-demembranated sperm assay we estimated maximum isometric force using a laser trap-based assay. At low kinesin density, 4.34 +/- 1.5 pN was the maximum force. Using values of axoneme stiffness available from other studies, we concluded that, in our centrifuge microscope-based assay, a sperm axoneme functions as a lever arm, magnifying the centrifugal force and leading to pull-off before stall. In addition, drag of the distal portion of the axoneme is increased by the centrifugal force (because the axoneme is rotated into closer proximity to the glass surface) and represents an additional force that the kinesin motor must overcome.

Citations

Sep 19, 2009·Pain Practice : the Official Journal of World Institute of Pain·Serdar ErdineEric R Cosman
Jun 11, 2002·Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·R StrackeE Unger
Dec 31, 1997·The Journal of Cell Biology·H G YuR K Dawe
Sep 14, 2017·Journal of Biomechanical Engineering·Zachary AbrahamOzan Akkus
Feb 22, 2017·Biology·Helder MaiatoMarin Barisic

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