Anti-Kinesin Heavy Chain 2 antibody [EPR10740(B)]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Kinesin Heavy Chain 2 also known as kinesin-2 or KIF3A is a motor protein involved in intracellular transport. It has a molecular mass of about 83 kDa. Kinesin-2 functions by moving along microtubules converting chemical energy from ATP into mechanical work to transport cellular cargo. This protein primarily operates in cellular regions with high microtubule activity such as neurons and epithelial cells. Kinesin-2 is vital for ciliary function as it transports essential components along the axoneme of motile and primary cilia.

Biological function summary

Kinesin-2 operates as part of the kinesin-2 family complex which also includes KIF3B and a kinesin-associated protein (KAP). It manages the anterograde transport of proteins and vesicles necessary for ciliary growth and function. This system is essential for maintaining cilia which play roles in cell signaling and locomotion. Without the proper action of kinesin-2 ciliary assembly and maintenance become impaired leading to compromised cell function.

Pathways

Kinesin-2 is critical in the intraflagellar transport (IFT) pathway and the Hedgehog signaling pathway. In the IFT pathway kinesin-2 works closely with the IFT proteins to shuttle cargo necessary for cilia function from the cell body to the cilia tip. In the Hedgehog pathway kinesin-2 helps transport signaling molecules to cilia which is important for pathway activation. This protein interacts with the IFT-B complex ensuring efficient signal transduction necessary for correct cellular responses.

Associated diseases and disorders

Kinesin-2 malfunctions associate with ciliopathies and certain types of cancer. Defective kinesin-2 function can cause ciliopathies like Bardet-Biedl syndrome due to its role in ciliary transport. Additionally disruption of kinesin-2-related transport in Hedgehog signaling links to basal cell carcinoma where this signaling pathway often becomes aberrant. These conditions emphasize the importance of kinesin-2 in proper cellular function and its contributions to human health.