Kinesin-8 motors: regulation of microtubule dynamics and chromosome movements

Chromosoma. 2020 Jun;129(2):99-110. doi: 10.1007/s00412-020-00736-7. Epub 2020 May 17.

Abstract

Microtubules are essential for intracellular transport, cell motility, spindle assembly, and chromosome segregation during cell division. Microtubule dynamics regulate the proper spindle organization and thus contribute to chromosome congression and segregation. Accumulating studies suggest that kinesin-8 motors are emerging regulators of microtubule dynamics and organizations. In this review, we provide an overview of the studies focused on kinesin-8 motors in cell division. We discuss the structures and molecular kinetics of kinesin-8 motors. We highlight the essential roles and mechanisms of kinesin-8 in the regulation of microtubule dynamics and spindle organization. We also shed light on the functions of kinesin-8 motors in chromosome movement and the spindle assembly checkpoint during the cell cycle.

Keywords: Cell division; Chromosome; KIF18A; Kinesin-8; Microtubule; Spindle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle / physiology
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints
  • Chemical Phenomena
  • Chromosome Segregation*
  • Humans
  • Kinesins / chemistry
  • Kinesins / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / chemistry
  • Microtubules / physiology*
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Spindle Apparatus / metabolism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Kinesins