We explore how microtubules, the most rigid components of the cytoskeleton, respond to mechanical stress and tune intracellular transport. We demonstrate that under compression, microtubules buckle in ways influenced by kinesin density, and under tension, their rigidity decreases due to kinesin interaction, leading to a softening effect. Interestingly, we found that bending deformation impedes kinesin-1 movement but enhances dynein-driven transport. This dual regulation of motor proteins by microtubule deformation sheds light on the critical role of microtubules in mechanoregulating cellular transport and processes under stress.

Dr. Akira Kakugo is a Professor in the Division of Physics and Astronomy at the Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University. He earned his Doctorate in Science from Hokkaido University in 2003. His research focuses on biomechanics and the collective dynamics of biomolecular motors.