Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2012
Publication Title
Trends in Cell Biology
Abstract
Synthetic biology re-imagines existing biological systems by designing and constructing new biological parts, devices, and systems. In the arena of cytoskeleton-based transport, synthetic approaches are currently used in two broad ways. First, molecular motors are harnessed for non-physiological functions in cells. Second, transport systems are engineered in vitro to determine the biophysical rules that govern motility. These rules are then applied to synthetic nanotechnological systems. We review recent advances in both of these areas and conclude by discussing future directions in engineering the cytoskeleton and its motors for transport.
Keywords
Actin, Dynein, Kinesin, Microtubule, Motor, Myosin
Volume
22
Issue
12
First Page
644
Last Page
652
DOI
10.1016/j.tcb.2012.09.005
ISSN
09628924
Recommended Citation
Goodman, Brian S.; Derr, Nathan D.; and Reck-Peterson, Samara L., "Engineered, Harnessed, and Hijacked: Synthetic Uses for Cytoskeletal Systems" (2012). Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/bio_facpubs/220
Comments
Peer reviewed accepted manuscript.