Bicaudal D Family of Motor Adaptors: Linking Dynein Motility to Cargo Binding

Transport of different intracellular cargoes along cytoskeleton filaments is essential for the morphogenesis and function of a broad variety of eukaryotic cells. Intracellular transport is mediated by cytoskeletal motors including myosin, kinesin, and dynein, which are typically linked to various cargoes by adaptor proteins. Recent studies suggest that adaptor proteins can also act as essential transport cofactors, which control motor activity and coordination. Characterization of the evolutionary conserved Bicaudal D (BICD) family of dynein adaptor proteins has provided important insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing cargo trafficking. This review highlights the advances in the current understanding of how BICD adaptors regulate microtubule-based transport and how they contribute to developmental processes and human disease.

TrendsBicaudal D adaptor proteins link dynein motors to specific cargos.Bicaudal D and related adaptors induce processive motility by stabilizing the interaction of dynein and dynactin.Bicaudal D and related adaptors can interact with motors of opposite polarity and control their activities.Conformational transitions in Bicaudal D may coordinate motor recruitment with cargo binding.Missense mutations in Bicaudal D and other dynein cofactors lead to transport defects and human disease.