KIF2A

The protein encoded by this gene is a plus end-directed motor required for normal mitotic progression. The encoded protein is required for normal spindle activity during mitosis and is necessary for normal brain development. Several transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.

Full Name

Kinesin Family Member 2A

Function

Plus end-directed microtubule-dependent motor required for normal brain development. May regulate microtubule dynamics during axonal growth. Required for normal progression through mitosis. Required for normal congress of chromosomes at the metaphase plate. Required for normal spindle dynamics during mitosis. Promotes spindle turnover. Implicated in formation of bipolar mitotic spindles. Has microtubule depolymerization activity.

Biological Process

Cell differentiationIEA:UniProtKB-KW
Cell divisionIEA:UniProtKB-KW
Microtubule cytoskeleton organizationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIGI:ARUK-UCL
Microtubule depolymerizationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:ARUK-UCL
Microtubule-based movementManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Mitotic spindle assemblyManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:UniProtKB
Mitotic spindle organizationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:UniProtKB
Nervous system developmentIEA:UniProtKB-KW
Regulation of cell migrationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIGI:ARUK-UCL

Cellular Location

Cytoplasm; Cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, microtubule organizing center, centrosome. Localized to the spindle microtubules and spindle poles from prophase to metaphase. Efficient targeting to spindle microtubules and spindle poles requires the kinase activity of PLK1. Recruited to mitotic spindles by interaction with PSRC1.

Involvement in disease

Cortical dysplasia, complex, with other brain malformations 3 (CDCBM3):
A disorder of aberrant neuronal migration and disturbed axonal guidance. Clinical features include early-onset epilepsy, and various malformations of cortical development such as agyria, posterior or frontal pachygyria, subcortical band heterotopia, and thin corpus callosum.