Kif2A — Kinesin Family Member 2A is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
.infobox.infobox-gene
| Gene Symbol | KIF2A |
| Full Name | Kinesin Family Member 2A |
| Chromosomal Location | 5q12.1 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 9583 |
| OMIM | 607349 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000145833 |
| UniProt ID | O00139 |
| Associated Diseases | AD, PD, Cortical malformations, Epilepsy |
Kinesin Family Member 2A is a motor protein that belongs to the kinesin-13 family. Unlike conventional kinesins that transport cargo, KIF2A functions as a microtubule-depolymerizing enzyme that regulates microtubule dynamics. It plays critical roles in neuronal development, including axonal growth, branch formation, and synapse formation. KIF2A is essential for proper brain development, and mutations cause cortical malformations, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. In adult neurons, KIF2A regulates microtubule stability and axonal transport.
The KIF2A gene encodes the Kinesin Family Member 2A, a protein involved in synaptic function, axonal transport, and neuronal signaling. This protein plays critical roles in maintaining neuronal health and function through its involvement in intracellular trafficking and signal transduction pathways.
Dysfunction or altered expression of KIF2A has been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases:
KIF2A is expressed in various brain regions, with high expression in:
The study of Kif2A — Kinesin Family Member 2A has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.