Coordinated force generation of skeletal myosins in myofilaments through motor coupling

Motoshi Kaya (), Yoshiaki Tani, Takumi Washio, Toshiaki Hisada and Hideo Higuchi ()
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Motoshi Kaya: Deparment of Physics, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo
Yoshiaki Tani: Deparment of Physics, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo
Takumi Washio: Graduate School of Frontier Science, University of Tokyo
Toshiaki Hisada: Graduate School of Frontier Science, University of Tokyo
Hideo Higuchi: Deparment of Physics, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract In contrast to processive molecular motors, skeletal myosins form a large motor ensemble for contraction of muscles against high loads. Despite numerous information on the molecular properties of skeletal myosin, its ensemble effects on collective force generation have not been rigorously clarified. Here we show 4 nm stepwise actin displacements generated by synthetic myofilaments beyond a load of 30 pN, implying that steps cannot be driven exclusively by single myosins, but potentially by coordinated force generations among multiple myosins. The simulation model shows that stepwise actin displacements are primarily caused by coordinated force generation among myosin molecules. Moreover, the probability of coordinated force generation can be enhanced against high loads by utilizing three factors: strain-dependent kinetics between force-generating states; multiple power stroke steps; and high ATP concentrations. Compared with other molecular motors, our findings reveal how the properties of skeletal myosin are tuned to perform cooperative force generation for efficient muscle contraction.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms16036

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