Kinesin family member C3 (KIFC3)

Kinesin family member C3 (KIFC3) is a minus end–directed microtubule motor protein belonging to the kinesin superfamily. It is involved in intracellular cargo transport, particularly in the integration and apical transport of vesicles in epithelial cells. KIFC3 has been shown to promote cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer, especially in colorectal and hepatocellular carcinomas. High levels of KIFC3 are associated with increased malignancy, poor prognosis, and resistance to chemotherapy (notably docetaxel). Mechanistically, KIFC3 acts at least in part by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and it also plays a physiological role in epithelial vesicle trafficking and cell polarity[1][2][4].

Other names

Kinesin-like protein KIFC3KIFC3

Potential for inhibition: reduction of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, leading to reduced proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in cancer cells[1]. Overexpression confers resistance to docetaxel, likely through cytoskeletal and trafficking changes[1].