Highways to Cell

Manas Chakraborty

In neurons, microscale nutrients vital for cell signalling are constantly being transported by tiny motor proteins on molecular highways called microtubules. In this image, we see several running motor proteins. The different colours represent how far each one has travelled.
Any breakdown or road blocks on the molecular highways leads to neurodegenerative diseases like motor neurone disease. Researching repair of functionally impaired motor proteins will significantly improve future treatment options.

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