Catch bond mechanism in Dynein motor driven collective transport

Recent experiments have demonstrated that dynein motor exhibits catch bonding behaviour, in which the unbinding rate of a single dynein decreases with increasing force, for a certain range of force. Motivated by these experiments, we propose a model for catch bonding in dynein using a threshold force bond deformation (TFBD) model wherein catch bonding sets in beyond a critical applied load force. We study the effect of catch bonding on unidirectional transport properties of cellular cargo carried by multiple dynein motors within the framework of this model. We find catch bonding can result in dramatic changes in the transport properties, which are in sharp contrast to kinesin driven unidirectional transport, where catch bonding is absent. We predict that, under certain conditions, the average velocity of the cellular cargo can actually increase as applied load is increased. We characterize the transport properties in terms of a velocity profile phase plot in the parameter space of the catch bond strength and the stall force of the motor. This phase plot yields predictions that may be experimentally accessed by suitable modifications of motor transport and binding properties. Our work necessitates a reexamination of existing theories of collective bidirectional transport of cellular cargo where the catch bond effect of dynein described in this Letter is expected to play a crucial role.