KIF3B

KIF3B

KIF3B is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KIF3B gene. This protein is a member of the kinesin family of motor proteins, which are involved in the intracellular transport of membranous organelles and vesicles. KIF3B forms a heterotrimeric complex with KIF3A and KAP3, and this complex is essential for the anterograde transport of membrane-bound organelles along microtubules.

The KIF3B gene is located on chromosome 20 in humans and consists of multiple exons that encode the various domains necessary for the motor activity and cargo binding of the KIF3B protein. The protein itself is characterized by a motor domain that hydrolyzes ATP to generate force and movement along microtubules, a stalk domain that facilitates dimerization with KIF3A, and a tail domain that interacts with the adaptor protein KAP3 for cargo binding.

KIF3B plays a critical role in several cellular processes, including ciliogenesis, the formation and maintenance of cilia and flagella, which are essential for cell motility and signaling. It is also involved in the transport of axonal vesicles in neurons, playing a crucial role in neuronal development and function. Disruption of KIF3B function has been implicated in various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, highlighting its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis and function.

Research into KIF3B has also shed light on its role in the regulation of cell division and mitosis, particularly in the precise organization and segregation of chromosomes during cell division. This has further underscored the versatility and critical nature of KIF3B's functions within the cell.

In summary, KIF3B is a vital motor protein that contributes to the dynamic organization and function of the intracellular environment. Its role in facilitating the transport of membranous organelles and its involvement in critical cellular processes make it a significant subject of study in understanding cellular mechanics and the development of diseases.