Kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1)

Kinesin light chain 1 is a non-enzymatic, non-receptor protein subunit encoded by the *KLC1* gene in humans. It forms part of the kinesin-1 heterotetramer complex, which is composed of two kinesin heavy chains (motor proteins) and two kinesin light chains. KLC1 serves as a scaffold or adaptor linking the motor domain to a diverse set of cargoes, such as vesicles, mitochondria, and proteins, primarily via its tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domains, enabling directional transport of these cargoes along microtubules toward their plus ends. KLC1 is particularly important in neurons, where it supports long-range transport necessary for cellular and synaptic function. Distinct isoforms generated by alternative splicing are thought to determine cargo specificity. Dysfunction or altered regulation of KLC1 and kinesin-1–mediated transport is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and hereditary spastic paraplegia, as well as certain cancers such as melanoma[1][2][5]. There are no known approved drugs that directly target KLC1, nor is it considered a classical therapeutic target such as a receptor or enzyme. Its roles are mainly structural and regulatory within the kinesin motor complex[2][5].

Other names

KLCKNS2KNS2Akinesin 2 60/70kDamedulloblastoma antigen MU-MB-2.50hKLC1ShKLC1NhKLC1PhKLC1GhKLC1RhKLC1JhKLC1B