Kinesin-1 is an essential molecular motor that translocates cellular cargoes toward the plus-end of microtubules (MTs). By virtue of its capacity to translocate upon the microtubule (MT) network and transport a variety of cargoes, the kinesin-1 molecular motor is a central regulator of subcellular organisation. Critical roles for this ubiquitous enzyme extend to almost all cell types, where it orchestrates the spatial organisation and, consequently, the function of many organelles such as lysosomes and mitochondria. Mutations in kinesin-1 can also result in neurological diseases such as hereditary spastic paraplegia, and disruption of kinesin-1 activity is thought to be an important consequence of other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, kinesin-1 is also hijacked by many bacterial and viral pathogens during their replicative cycles. Therefore, the complete understanding of the mechanisms of kinesin-1 regulation is of fundamental importance in both the healthy and disease states.

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We currently have two funded project on this topic. 

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"Molecular basis of kinesin-1 motor activation by light chain sequestration and its modulation in mitochondrial transport"

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"Predictive rationalization and manipulation of cargo recruitment by the regulatory light chains of the ubiquitous kinesin-1 motor protein"

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