The two‐step cargo recognition mechanism of heterotrimeric kinesin

Abstract

AbstractKinesin‐driven intracellular transport is essential for various cell biological events and thus plays a crucial role in many pathological processes. However, little is known about the molecular basis of the specific and dynamic cargo‐binding mechanism of kinesins. Here, an integrated structural analysis of the KIF3/KAP3 and KIF3/KAP3‐APC complexes unveils the mechanism by which KIF3/KAP3 can dynamically grasp APC in a two‐step manner, which suggests kinesin‐cargo recognition dynamics composed of cargo loading, locking, and release. Our finding is the first demonstration of the two‐step cargo recognition and stabilization mechanism of kinesins, which provides novel insights into the intracellular trafficking machinery.