ktk1

ktk1 is a gene found in humans and other mammals. It is also known by the symbol KIF2C. This gene encodes a protein that is part of the kinesin superfamily of motor proteins. Kinesins are known for their role in transporting various cellular components along microtubules, which are crucial structural elements within cells.

The KTK1 protein specifically functions as a microtubule-based motor. It is involved in a process called kinetochore-microtubule attachment, which is essential for the proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division, a process known as mitosis. Kinetochores are protein structures that assemble on chromosomes, and they serve as attachment sites for microtubules emanating from the cell's poles. The correct attachment and movement of these microtubules by motor proteins like KTK1 ensure that each daughter cell receives an accurate set of chromosomes.

Dysfunction of ktk1 has been linked to various cellular abnormalities, including aneuploidy, which is an abnormal number of chromosomes. Research has also explored the potential involvement of ktk1 in the development and progression of certain types of cancer, as errors in chromosome segregation can lead to genomic instability. Studies in this area often focus on understanding the precise mechanisms by which KTK1 regulates kinetochore-microtubule dynamics and how its disruption contributes to disease.