What type of proteins are associated with microtubules to transport cellular cargo?

Microtubules are integral components of the cytoskeleton that provide structural support and facilitate intracellular transport. Dyneins and kinesins are motor proteins that specifically interact with microtubules to transport cellular cargo along these structures.

Kinesins generally move in a directional manner toward the plus end of the microtubule, which is typically oriented toward the cell’s periphery, allowing them to transport organelles, vesicles, and other cargo away from the cell body. On the other hand, dyneins move towards the minus end of the microtubule, generally transporting materials back toward the cell body, playing a crucial role in retrograde transport. This coordinated action of kinesins and dyneins ensures efficient movement of cellular components, which is vital for various cellular processes, including signaling, organelle positioning, and cell division.

In contrast, actin filaments and myosins are primarily involved in interactions with microfilaments rather than microtubules, focusing on different aspects of cellular mechanics and motility. Connexins, meanwhile, are proteins that form gap junctions, facilitating intercellular communication but not directly involved in intracellular transport along microtubules.