Kinesin-like protein 11 (KIF11)

Kinesin-like protein 11 (KIF11) is a microtubule-dependent motor protein and member of the kinesin superfamily (commonly known as kinesin-5 or Eg5)[1][3]. It is essential for mitosis, where it drives the formation and maintenance of the bipolar spindle, enabling segregation of chromosomes during cell division[1][2][3]. KIF11 assembles as a homotetramer, cross-linking and sliding apart anti-parallel microtubules via ATP hydrolysis[1][3]. In addition to its key function in dividing cells, KIF11 may play a role in neuronal development. Overexpression or dysfunction of KIF11 is implicated in various cancers and has been linked to congenital developmental disorders such as microcephaly with or without chorioretinopathy, lymphedema, or mental retardation (MCLMR)[4]. KIF11 is an established therapeutic target for antimitotic cancer drugs, and high expression often indicates poor prognosis in malignancies[2][5].

Other names

EG5Kinesin-5BimCKinesin-like protein 1Kinesin-like spindle protein HKSPKinesin-related motor protein Eg5KNSL1N-2TRIP-5Thyroid receptor-interacting protein 5TR-interacting protein 5

Inhibition of KIF11 motor activity blocks spindle assembly, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in dividing cells (antimitotic mechanism)[1][2]. Some agents specifically prevent ATP hydrolysis or microtubule binding, thereby disrupting microtubule dynamics[1][2].