Work

Microtubule Destabilizing Kinesins: A Historical Perspective and Thoughts for the Future

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The microtubule cytoskeleton plays critical roles in multiple cellular processes such as mitotic spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. Cells contain a number of microtubule-associated proteins that regulate microtubule dynamics both temporally and spatially in cells. The microtubule depolymerizing kinesins include members of the Kinesin-8 (Kif18A, Kif18B, Kif19) and Kinesin-13 (Kif2A, Kif2B, Kif2C, Kif24) families of molecular motor proteins. Whereas Kinesin-8s are plus-end directed microtubule motors as well as microtubule destabilizing enzymes, the Kinesin-13 proteins use their catalytic cycle to depolymerize microtubules independent of motility. In this piece I will provide a historical perspective on the discovery of the microtubule depolymerizing kinesins and their functions within mitosis. I also provide my ideas on some of the key unanswered questions in the field.

Source: Cytoskeleton

DOI: 10.1002/cm.70179

Author: Claire E. Walczak

Institutions: Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University

Language: English

Topic: Microtubule and mitosis dynamics

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,920

Funder: National Institutes of Health