The motor protein kinesin has two heads and walks along microtubules processively using energy derived from ATP. However, how kinesin heads are coordinated to generate processive movement remains elusive. Here we created a hybrid nanomachine (DNA-kinesin) using DNA as the skeletal structure and kinesin as the functional module. Single molecule imaging of DNA-kinesin hybrid allowed us to evaluate the effects of both connect position of the heads (N, C-terminal or Mid position) and sub-nanometer changes in the distance between the two heads on motility. Our results show that although the native structure of kinesin is not essential for processive movement, it is the most efficient. Furthermore, forward bias by the power stroke of the neck linker, a 13-amino-acid chain positioned at the C-terminus of the head, and internal strain applied to the rear of the head through the neck linker are crucial for the processive movement. Results also show that the internal strain coordinates both heads to prevent simultaneous detachment from the microtubules. Thus, the interhead coordination through the neck linker facilitates long-distance walking.

In synthetic biology, the control of gene expression requires a multistep processing of biological signals. The key steps are sensing the environment, computing information and outputting products. To achieve such functions, the laborious, combinational networking of enzymes and substrate-genes is required, and to resolve problems, sophisticated design automation tools have been introduced. However, the complexity of genetic circuits remains low because it is difficult to completely avoid crosstalk between the circuits. Here, we have made an orthogonal self-contained device by integrating an actuator and sensors onto a DNA origami-based nanochip that contains an enzyme, T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) and multiple target-gene substrates. This gene nanochip orthogonally transcribes its own genes, and the nano-layout ability of DNA origami allows us to rationally design gene expression levels by controlling the intermolecular distances between the enzyme and the target genes. We further integrated reprogrammable logic gates so that the nanochip responds to water-in-oil droplets and computes their small RNA (miRNA) profiles, which demonstrates that the nanochip can function as a gene logic-chip. Our approach to component integration on a nanochip may provide a basis for large-scale, integrated genetic circuits.

Single-molecule fluorescence imaging of DNA origami-based transporters showed shorter run lengths in dence layouts of kinesin motors.

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