Kinesin-like protein KIF21B (KIF21B)

Kinesin-like protein KIF21B (KIF21B) is a member of the kinesin-4 family of microtubule-associated motor proteins that play essential roles in regulating microtubule dynamics and intracellular transport, particularly in neurons[1][3][4][7]. KIF21B is a processive, plus end–directed motor that accumulates at microtubule plus ends, inducing growth pausing and modulating dendritic architecture by restricting microtubule extension[1][3][4]. It is highly expressed in the central nervous system, with a particularly strong presence in neurons' axons and dendrites, where it is critical for dendritic arbor complexity, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity, including the regulation of NMDA receptor–dependent long-term depression [3][4][7]. Loss-of-function or mutation of KIF21B results in impaired neuronal growth and connectivity, and genetic alterations in KIF21B have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, cognitive dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, and association with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's [3][5][7]. Although no approved drugs selectively target KIF21B, its biological importance in neural function and disease association make it a potential therapeutic target, but with substantial safety concerns given its central role in neuronal transport and plasticity[3][4][7].

Other names

Kinesin family member 21BKIF21BKIAA0449DKFZP434J212

Not directly drugged; functional modulation via microtubule engagement and protein-protein interactions