Lever-arm and Washboard-potential theories jointly account for Myosin II dynamics

We address the controversial hot question concerning the validity of the loose-coupling versus the lever-arm models in the actomyosin dynamics by re-interpreting and extending the washboard potential model proposed by some of us in a previous paper. In the new theory, a loose-coupling mechanism co-exists with the deterministic lever-arm model. The synergetic action of a random component, originating from the harnessed thermal energy, and of the power-stroke generated by the lever-arm classical mechanism is seen to yield an excellent fit of the set of data obtained in T. Yanagida's laboratory on the sliding of Myosin II heads on actin filaments under various load conditions. Our theoretical arguments are complemented by accurate numerical simulations, and the robustness of theory is tested via different combination of parameters and potential profiles.