Probing cytoskeletal modulation of passive and active intracellular dynamics using nanobody-functionalized quantum dots

Nat Commun. 2017 Mar 21:8:14772. doi: 10.1038/ncomms14772.

Abstract

The cytoplasm is a highly complex and heterogeneous medium that is structured by the cytoskeleton. How local transport depends on the heterogeneous organization and dynamics of F-actin and microtubules is poorly understood. Here we use a novel delivery and functionalization strategy to utilize quantum dots (QDs) as probes for active and passive intracellular transport. Rapid imaging of non-functionalized QDs reveals two populations with a 100-fold difference in diffusion constant, with the faster fraction increasing upon actin depolymerization. When nanobody-functionalized QDs are targeted to different kinesin motor proteins, their trajectories do not display strong actin-induced transverse displacements, as suggested previously. Only kinesin-1 displays subtle directional fluctuations, because the subset of microtubules used by this motor undergoes prominent undulations. Using actin-targeting agents reveals that F-actin suppresses most microtubule shape remodelling, rather than promoting it. These results demonstrate how the spatial heterogeneity of the cytoskeleton imposes large variations in non-equilibrium intracellular dynamics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Biological Transport, Active
  • COS Cells
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism*
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Kinesins / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Myosins / metabolism*
  • Quantum Dots

Substances

  • Actins
  • Myosins
  • Kinesins