Kinesin-1 is involved in chondrocytes adhesion to extracellular matrix and motility

Abstract

Intercalation movement of proliferative chondrocytes is crucial for their columnar organization which is essential for proper function of growth plate cartilage. The conventional motor protein kinesin‐1 directionally transporting various cargos along microtubules might be involved in this polarized cell movement. Kinesin‐1 is suggested to transport unknown cargo(s) modulating focal adhesion (FA) turnover which is a key step in cell movement. To investigate kinesin‐1’s role in chondrocytes intercalation, we generate kinesin‐1 heavy chain (Kif5b) knockout mouse. In the growth plate of KIF5B deficient mouse, we observed abnormal cell morphology and disrupted columnar structure. Isolated mutant chondrocytes show reduced motility and adhesion ability to ECM proteins. Vinculin, the key regulator of focal adhesions, is found as a potential protein associated with KIF5B in mouse chondrocytes. Further study will investigate whether KIF5B affects chondrocytes motility and adhesion via FAs modulation.