Kinesin family member 15 (KIF15)

Kinesin family member 15 (KIF15) is a human motor protein from the kinesin superfamily, crucial for mitotic spindle assembly, chromosome segregation, and maintenance of spindle bipolarity during cell division[1][2][3][4]. KIF15 acts by cross-linking and sliding microtubules, generating forces that maintain spindle pole separation and support accurate segregation of chromosomes. It is highly expressed during mitosis and plays additional roles in neuronal development including axon and dendrite growth[1][2]. KIF15 is functionally redundant with KIF11/Eg5; if KIF11 is inhibited (such as by small-molecule drugs), upregulation of KIF15 can compensate, potentially leading to drug resistance[2][3]. Overexpression of KIF15 has been observed in various malignancies, correlating with enhanced tumor cell proliferation, migration, and resistance to certain cancer therapies[3][5][6]. Targeted KIF15 inhibition disrupts mitotic spindle function, reduces proliferation, and may increase cancer cell apoptosis, making it a therapeutic target, especially in combination strategies with KIF11 inhibitors[3].

Other names

Kinesin-like protein KIF15Kinesin-12HKLP2KNSL7NY-BR-62Kinesin-like protein 2Kinesin-like protein 7BRDCS2Serologically defined breast cancer antigen NY-BR-62KLP2hKLP2

Inhibition disrupts bipolar spindle formation, resulting in impaired mitosis and reduced proliferation of cancer cells[3]. Dual inhibition with KIF11/Eg5 may overcome resistance mechanisms and enhance anti-proliferative effects[2][3].