KIF14: Proteins and Enzymes

The kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) are microtubule-dependent molecular motors that transport membranous organelles and protein complexes in a microtubule and ATP-dependent manner. Cells use KIFs to tightly control the direction, destination and speed of the transportation of a variety of important functional molecules, including mRNA. KIFs are involved in neuronal function and development. Kinesin family member 14 (KIF14) is an overexpressed potential oncogene in the 1q region of genomic gain in breast cancer cell lines associated with poor prognosis breast cancer. The gain of chromosome 1q likely reflects oncogene amplification. As such KIF14 may be a potential therapeutic target and indicator of oncogenesis.