Kinesin family member 18B (KIF18B)

Kinesin family member 18B (KIF18B) is a plus-end-directed microtubule motor protein belonging to the kinesin-8 family[1][2][5]. It has essential roles in cell division, including regulation of microtubule length, spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, and orchestration of mitotic progression. KIF18B functions by binding microtubule plus-ends, modulating dynamics directly or by transporting other factors such as MCAK, and is regulated by cell cycle–specific signals including phosphorylation. KIF18B is also implicated in DNA double-strand break repair and is involved in spindle orientation in certain tissues such as the skin and hair follicles[1][2][3]. High expression or dysregulation of KIF18B is associated with multiple human cancers and chemoresistance, making it a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target. Overexpression is correlated with advanced disease and reduced survival across various cancer types[6][7]. No direct drug inhibitors are clinically established, but KIF18B loss impairs proliferation and increases apoptosis in tumor models, suggesting its utility for anticancer drug development[2][6].

Other names

Kinesin-like protein KIF18BKIF18B

Inhibition or knockdown reduces tumor cell proliferation and increases apoptosis[2][6].