KIF18B Gene: Function, Expression, and Role in Cancer | NCBI, UniProt, ClinVar

KIF18B (kinesin family member 18B) is a protein-coding gene that encodes a member of the kinesin-8 family of microtubule motor proteins. The protein plays a critical role in mitosis by regulating microtubule dynamics, chromosome congression, and spindle assembly. KIF18B localizes to kinetochores and spindle microtubules, where it modulates microtubule plus-end dynamics to ensure proper chromosome alignment and segregation. Dysregulation of KIF18B has been implicated in various cancers, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancers, where it may promote aneuploidy and tumor progression.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• Kinesin-mediated microtubule depolymerization (Reactome: R-HSA-983189)

• Mitotic prometaphase (Reactome: R-HSA-68877)

• Resolution of sister chromatid cohesion (Reactome: R-HSA-2500257)

KIF18B is a 798-amino acid protein belonging to the kinesin-8 family. It contains an N-terminal motor domain with ATPase and microtubule-binding activities, a central coiled-coil region for dimerization, and a C-terminal tail domain involved in kinetochore localization. The protein functions as a microtubule depolymerase, regulating microtubule plus-end dynamics during mitosis. KIF18B is essential for proper chromosome alignment and spindle length control; its depletion leads to mitotic delay, chromosome misalignment, and aneuploidy.