Kinesin-1 heavy chain (KIF5B)

Kinesin-1 heavy chain (KIF5B) is a microtubule-dependent motor protein that moves cargo such as organelles and vesicles along microtubules within cells using ATP-dependent movement[1][2][4][5]. It is essential for normal mitochondrial and lysosome distribution, regulates organelle and protein localization, and can influence neurite outgrowth and cell cycle events such as centrosome and nuclear positioning[1][5]. KIF5B participates in immune function by driving cytolytic granule polarization in NK cells[1]. Mutations in KIF5B are linked to skeletal muscle diseases and Kearns-Sayre syndrome[1]. In oncology, KIF5B is clinically important primarily through gene fusions (KIF5B-RET, KIF5B-ALK) that drive some cancers, especially lung cancer[1]. There are currently no drugs that directly target KIF5B, but RET and ALK inhibitors are approved for tumors with those fusions.

Other names

Kinesin family member 5BKIF5BKNSKNS1UKHCConventional kinesin heavy chainUbiquitous kinesin heavy chainHEL-S-61KINHEpididymis secretory protein Li 61Kinesin 1 (110-120kD)Kinesin heavy chain

No direct inhibitors or modulators; drugs may affect KIF5B-related fusion proteins, e.g., RET inhibitors for KIF5B-RET fusion-positive tumors[1]