Kinesin family member 17 (KIF17)

Kinesin family member 17 (KIF17) is a homodimeric, plus-end directed microtubule motor protein of the kinesin-2 family, characterized by two motor domains that bind and move along microtubules in an ATP-dependent manner[1][4]. In the nervous system, KIF17 plays a key role in the selective transport of cargo such as the NR2B subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, kainate receptor GluR5, and Kv4.2 potassium channels from the cell body to dendrites, processes crucial for synaptic transmission, learning, and memory[1][5]. Outside neurons, KIF17 or its homologs (such as OSM-3 in *C. elegans*) contribute to intraflagellar transport (IFT) in cilia and flagella, thereby aiding in cilium biogenesis and sensory function[1][4]. KIF17 is also involved in outer segment development in photoreceptors, mRNA transport in dendrites, and is implicated in cell polarity and morphogenesis in various tissues[1][3]. Dysfunction or mutations in KIF17 are associated with certain neurological and retinal disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and Retinitis Pigmentosa 2[3]. Currently, no known drugs specifically target KIF17, nor is it a recognized therapeutic target[3][4][1].

Other names

KIF17KIF3XKIF17BKIAA1405OSM-3KLP-2kinesin-like protein KIF17KIF3-related motor protein