KIF15

Kinesin family member 15 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the KIF15 is_associated_with::gene.

This gene encodes a motor protein that is part of the is_associated_with::kinesin superfamily. KIF15 maintains half spindle separation by opposing forces generated by other is_associated_with::motor proteins. KIF15 co-localizes with is_associated_with::microtubules and is_associated_with::actin filaments in both dividing cells and in is_associated_with::postmitotic neurons.

Function
KIF15 (also known as Kinesin-12 and HKLP2) is a motor protein expressed in all cells during mitosis and in postmitotic neurons undergoing axon growth. KIF15 maintains bipolar microtubule is_associated_with::spindle apparatus in dividing cells and shares redundant functions with is_associated_with::KIF11. KIF15 is thought to promote spindle assembly by cross-linking and sliding along microtubules creating a separation between is_associated_with::centrosomes. HeLa cells depleted of KIF11, with reduced microtubule dynamics, are able to form bipolar spindles from acentrosomal asters in a KIF15 dependent manner.

Function in neurons
KIF15 restricts the movement of short microtubules into growing axons by generating forces on microtubules which counteract those generated by cytoplasmic dynein. KIF15, together with is_associated_with::KIF23 become enriched in dendrites as neurons mature to promote the transport of minus-end distal microtubules into nascent dendrites.

Interactions
KIF15 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::TPX2. Both these dimers cooperate to slide along microtubules and maintain bipolar spindles.