Sub-project A04: Mechanics of molecular machines involved in plant cytokinesis
Priciple Investigator
Prof. Dr. Erik Schäffer
Universität Tübingen
ZMBP, Cellular Nanoscience
Auf der Morgenstelle 32, 72076 Tübingen
+49 7071 - 29 72076
Fax +49 7071 - 29 5042
erik.schaeffer@zmbp.uni-tuebingen.de
Summary
The specific kinetic and mechanical properties of phragmoplast-orienting-kinesin (POK) and kinesin-8 motors and interacting partners will be characterized with purified recombinant proteins using single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and optical tweezers. To investigate microtubule crosslinking and tethering to the cell membrane, we will reconstitute a minimal, in vitro cortical division site assay comprised of artificial membrane systems, POKs, their interactors and microtubules