kinesiin14

Kinesin-14, or KIF14, is a member of the kinesin superfamily of microtubule-based motor proteins. As with other kinesins, it uses ATP hydrolysis to move along microtubules and participates in intracellular transport and mitotic spindle dynamics.

KIF14 localizes to the mitotic spindle and central spindle during cell division and interacts with central-spindle components such as PRC1 and the centralspindlin complex, contributing to the organization of the spindle midzone and the completion of cytokinesis.

Genetic and cellular studies show KIF14 is essential for proper cytokinesis. Depletion or dysfunction leads to defects in furrow ingression and abscission, often resulting in multinucleated cells or failed cell division. The protein is regulated in a cell-cycle–dependent manner, with activity coordinated by mitotic kinases to ensure timely spindle assembly and cytokinesis.

Clinically, KIF14 has been implicated in human disease. Rare biallelic mutations or dysregulation of KIF14 can be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including microcephaly, and aberrant expression has been observed in various cancers, where higher levels may correlate with aggressive disease and poorer prognosis.

Structurally, KIF14 contains the conserved kinesin motor domain, a coiled-coil stalk, and a tail region that likely mediates protein interactions. Its functions are conserved in vertebrates, and cell-based and animal models have supported its role in spindle dynamics and cytokinesis.

Overall, KIF14 is a mitotic kinesin that coordinates spindle formation with cell division, and its proper function is important for genome stability and normal development.