REGULATION OF KINESIN-DIRECTED MOVEMENTS

Bidirectional organelle transport along microtubules is most likely mediated by the opposing forces generated by two microtubule-based motors: kinesin and cytoplasmic dynein. Because the direction and timing of organelle movements are controlled by the cell, the activity of one or both of these motor molecules must be regulated. Recent studies demonstrate that kinesin, kinesin-like proteins ann kinesin-associated proteins can be phosphorylated, and suggest that changes in their phosphorylation state may modulate kinesin's ability to interact with either microtubules or organelles. Thus, it is possible that phosphorylation regulates kinesin-driven movements.