Kinesin-like protein KIF3A is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, respo ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''KIF3A''
gene
In biology, the word gene (from , ; "...Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a ba ...
.
Function
KIF3A is one subunit of the
heterotrimeric motor protein,
kinesin-2, that was initially isolated from sea urchin egg/embryo
cytosol using
microtubule
Microtubules are polymers of tubulin that form part of the cytoskeleton and provide structure and shape to eukaryotic cells. Microtubules can be as long as 50 micrometres, as wide as 23 to 27 nm and have an inner diameter between 11 an ...
affinity purification.
This motor consists of two kinesin-related subunits (called KIF3A and
KIF3B
Kinesin-like protein KIF3B is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''KIF3B'' gene. KIF3B is an N-type protein that complexes with two other kinesin proteins to form two-headed anterograde motors. First, KIF3B forms a heterodimer with KIF3A ...
or 3C in vertebrates) and an associated protein (
KAP3), and it transports protein complexes, nucleic acids and organelles towards the "plus" ends of microtubule tracks within cells. Work done in a broad range of eukaryotic cells has revealed that heterotrimeric kinesin-2 is the primary motor protein driving the
intraflagellar transport of
tubulins and other
axonemal building blocks from the base of the ciliary/flagellar axoneme to their site of assembly at the distal tips.
This process is required for cilium assembly/maintenance and
cilium
The cilium, plural cilia (), is a membrane-bound organelle found on most types of eukaryotic cell, and certain microorganisms known as ciliates. Cilia are absent in bacteria and archaea. The cilium has the shape of a slender threadlike projecti ...
-based signalling which play key roles in various cell and developmental processes. For example, in vertebrate embryos, kinesin-2 function is required for cilia-dependent
nodal
Nodal homolog is a secretory protein that in humans is encoded by the ''NODAL'' gene which is located on chromosome 10q22.1. It belongs to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily (TGF-β superfamily). Like many other members of this superf ...
flow and the development of left-right asymmetry.
Interactions
KIF3A has been shown to
interact
Advocates for Informed Choice, dba interACT or interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization using innovative strategies to advocate for the legal and human rights of children with intersex traits. The organizati ...
with
MAP3K10
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 10 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ''MAP3K10'' gene.
Function
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the serine/threonine kinase family. This kinase has been shown to activa ...
.
References
Further reading
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{{Cytoskeletal proteins