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A mutual co-recognition mechanism ensures the proper assembly of heterotrimeric kinesin-2 for intraflagellar transport

Author

Listed:
  • Jinqi Ren

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Lingyan Zhao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Guanghan Chen

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Guangshuo Ou

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Wei Feng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Heterotrimeric kinesin-2, composed of two distinct kinesin motors and a kinesin-associated protein (KAP), is essential for intraflagellar transport and ciliogenesis. KAP specifically recognizes the hetero-paired motor tails for the holoenzyme assembly, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we determine the structure of KAP-1 in complex with the hetero-paired tails from kinesin-2 motors KLP-20 and KLP-11. KAP-1 forms an elongated superhelical structure characterized by a central groove and a C-terminal helical (CTH)-hook. The two motor tails fold together and are co-recognized by the central groove of KAP-1. The adjacent hetero-pairing trigger sequences preceding the two tails form an intertwined heterodimer, which co-captures the CTH-hook of KAP-1 to complete the holoenzyme assembly. Mutations in the interfaces between KAP-1 and the two tails disrupt the heterotrimeric kinesin-2 complex and impair kinesin-2-mediated intraflagellar transport. Thus, KAP-1 and the hetero-paired motors are mutually co-recognized, ensuring the proper assembly of heterotrimeric kinesin-2 for cargo transport.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinqi Ren & Lingyan Zhao & Guanghan Chen & Guangshuo Ou & Wei Feng, 2025. "A mutual co-recognition mechanism ensures the proper assembly of heterotrimeric kinesin-2 for intraflagellar transport," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62152-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62152-8
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