Kinesin family member C1 mRNA (KIFC1 mRNA)

Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) mRNA encodes a minus-end directed motor protein of the kinesin-14 family, also known as HSET. This target is of significant interest in oncology because the KIFC1 protein is essential for centrosome clustering in cancer cells with supernumerary centrosomes, a hallmark of many aggressive tumors. By clustering extra centrosomes into two poles, KIFC1 enables pseudo-bipolar mitosis, allowing cancer cells to avoid the lethal consequences of multipolar spindle formation. In contrast, normal somatic cells do not require KIFC1 for spindle assembly, making it a highly selective therapeutic target. KIFC1 mRNA is frequently overexpressed in various cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, where it serves as a biomarker for poor prognosis and high genomic instability. Therapeutic interventions include small molecule inhibitors that target the protein's motor domain and RNA interference strategies (siRNA) that degrade the mRNA transcript. Successful inhibition of the KIFC1 pathway leads to centrosome declustering, mitotic catastrophe, and selective apoptosis of malignant cells. While KIFC1 is largely dispensable in normal cells, potential safety concerns include its roles in spermiogenesis, oocyte development, and neuronal migration.

Other names

HSET mRNAKNSL2 mRNAKinesin-like protein KIFC1 mRNAKinesin family member C1 transcript

Inhibition of centrosome clustering and induction of multipolar spindle formation leading to mitotic catastrophe; RNA interference-mediated degradation of the transcript.