Coordinated motion of molecular motors on DNA chains with branch topology.

To understand the macroscopic mechanical behaviors of responsive DNA hydrogels integrated with DNA motors, we constructed a state map for the translocation process of a single FtsKC on a single DNA chain at the molecular level and then investigated the movement of single or multiple FtsKC motors on DNA chains with varied branch topologies. Our studies indicate that multiple FtsKC motors can have coordinated motion, which is mainly due to the force-responsive behavior of individual FtsKC motors. We further suggest the potential application of motors of FtsKC, together with DNA chains of specific branch topology, to serve as strain sensors in hydrogels. © The Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2022.