Cellular functions such as muscle contraction, cell motility and flagellar motion in bacteria, are driven by non-equilibrium association and dissociation of molecules and ions. The dynamic and asymmetric spatial organization of biomolecular assemblies is essential in facilitating intracellular interactions and providing directionality to their function. For instance, proton flow across membranes is key for ATP synthesis. The dynamic and intrinsically polarized actin filaments and microtubules, often in combination with bipolar motors, are key for directional cell motion. However, polarized structures may not necessarily be required for some cytoskeletal proteins, like bacterial actin MreBs. Experimental investigations with novel approaches, such as asymmetry sensors, as well as mathematical modeling, are crucial to understand how asymmetries in cellular machineries evolve and function in various cells and tissues.
This special issue will focus on the general theme of emergent asymmetric cellular machinery and its control by protein assembly and disassembly mechanisms. Using actin polymerization as an example of an intrinsically polarized self-assembly process, we encourage submissions more broadly related to motor proteins and other cellular machineries. We aim to highlight recent progress of research instruments and technologies that enable previously-inaccessible details of molecule binding mechanisms and regulatory functions. The submissions should include approaches utilizing both classic and novel reagents, unique tools and ideas to further our understanding of cellular asymmetry. We encourage submissions employing mathematical, computational, and coarse-graining modeling methods.
We welcome articles that focus on, but not limited to:
• Functions of cytoskeletal filaments, molecular motors and other asymmetric molecular assemblies
• Experimental tools, techniques and modeling methods to study directional cellular machinery
• Control of polarized cellular machinery by a wide range of regulatory proteins and reagents
• Evolution of polarized cytoskeletal filaments based on biochemical and biophysical assays
• Biophysical, biochemical and structural studies on motor proteins including actin
Cellular functions such as muscle contraction, cell motility and flagellar motion in bacteria, are driven by non-equilibrium association and dissociation of molecules and ions. The dynamic and asymmetric spatial organization of biomolecular assemblies is essential in facilitating intracellular interactions and providing directionality to their function. For instance, proton flow across membranes is key for ATP synthesis. The dynamic and intrinsically polarized actin filaments and microtubules, often in combination with bipolar motors, are key for directional cell motion. However, polarized structures may not necessarily be required for some cytoskeletal proteins, like bacterial actin MreBs. Experimental investigations with novel approaches, such as asymmetry sensors, as well as mathematical modeling, are crucial to understand how asymmetries in cellular machineries evolve and function in various cells and tissues.
This special issue will focus on the general theme of emergent asymmetric cellular machinery and its control by protein assembly and disassembly mechanisms. Using actin polymerization as an example of an intrinsically polarized self-assembly process, we encourage submissions more broadly related to motor proteins and other cellular machineries. We aim to highlight recent progress of research instruments and technologies that enable previously-inaccessible details of molecule binding mechanisms and regulatory functions. The submissions should include approaches utilizing both classic and novel reagents, unique tools and ideas to further our understanding of cellular asymmetry. We encourage submissions employing mathematical, computational, and coarse-graining modeling methods.
We welcome articles that focus on, but not limited to:
• Functions of cytoskeletal filaments, molecular motors and other asymmetric molecular assemblies
• Experimental tools, techniques and modeling methods to study directional cellular machinery
• Control of polarized cellular machinery by a wide range of regulatory proteins and reagents
• Evolution of polarized cytoskeletal filaments based on biochemical and biophysical assays
• Biophysical, biochemical and structural studies on motor proteins including actin