Regulation of microtubule organization in neurons
In collaboration with Melissa Rolls’ lab, we investigated the ability of an EB1-kinesin complex to steer growing microtubules at branching points in dendrites. This mechanism acts to maintain proper microtubule polarity in dendrites in drosophila DA neurons.
Effects of roadblocks on kinesin-driven transport
In collaboration with the Berger lab at UVM, we investigated how roadblocks such as tau protein affect stepping by kinesin-1 and kinesin-2 motors. We found that the longer neck linker domain of kinesin-2 allows it to better step around roadblocks.
Relevant Publications
An EB1-kinesin complex is sufficient to steer microtubule growth in vitro. Chen, Y., Rolls, M.M., Hancock, W.O. 2014. Current Biology. 24(3):316-21.
Kinesin-2 and Apc Function at Dendrite Branch Points to Resolve Microtubule Collisions. A.T. Weiner, M.C. Lanz, D.J. Goetschius, W.O. Hancock, M.M. Rolls. 2016. Cytoskeleton. 35-44.
Kinesin’s neck-linker domain determines its ability to navigate obstacles on the microtubule surface. G.J. Hoeprich, A.R. Thompson, D.P. McVicker, W.O. Hancock and C.L. Berger. (2014) Biophysical Journal. 106(8): 1691-700.
The axonal transport motor kinesin-2 navigates microtubule obstacles via protofilament switching. Hoeprich GJ, Mickolajczyk KJ, Nelson SR, Hancock WO, Berger CL. Traffic. 2017 May; 18(5):304-314. doi: 10.1111/tra.12478. Epub 2017 Apr 5
