# Kinesin Motors and Microtubule-based Trafficking

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $824,744

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract:
Microtubules are critical for nearly every function of eukaryotic cells, from their ability to divide
and move to their ability to adopt specific morphologies and withstand mechanical forces.
Microtubule assembly, dynamics, and functions are dictated and regulated by a large number of
cellular factors including microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) and molecular motors in the
kinesin and dynein superfamilies. Our overall goal is to define the mechanisms by which
microtubules and kinesin motor proteins drive intracellular trafficking in mammalian cells.
Unresolved questions include: What are the motility and force-generating properties of different
kinesins that enable them to perform specific motor functions in cells? How are posttranslational
modifications of tubulin subunits within a subset of microtubules recognized as “road signs” for
kinesin-based trafficking? What is the fate of the motor at the end of its journey i.e., is it
degraded or recycled? What effect does motor stepping have on the microtubule lattice? To
address these questions, we will combine biophysical and biochemical methods that provide
mechanistic detail on motor mechanics and motility with cellular assays that report on regulation
and function within the complex cellular environment. As defects in microtubules and kinesin
motors are linked to developmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer, these
studies will advance our understanding of their functions in cell biology and disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10838175
- **Project number:** 2R35GM131744-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Kristen J. Verhey
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $824,744
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-05-01 → 2029-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10838175

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10838175, Kinesin Motors and Microtubule-based Trafficking (2R35GM131744-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10838175. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*