KIF21A : kinesin family member 21A

Description

The KIF21A (kinesin family member 21A) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.

The KIF21A gene provides instructions for creating a protein that belongs to the kinesin family. Kinesins are essential for intracellular transport, acting like freight trains carrying cargo along microtubule tracks. KIF21A is found in neurons and other cell types, playing a crucial role in neuron development by regulating microtubule growth. This regulation helps direct the path of neuron extensions (axons) to their correct locations, enabling communication between the brain and the body for muscle control and sensation. Proper neuron development requires precise timing of KIF21A activation and inactivation. The protein's regulatory region interacts with its motor domain, causing inactivation (autoinhibition).

KIF21A is also known as CFEOM1, FEOM1, FEOM3A.

Associated Diseases

• Congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles
• Fetal akinesia deformation sequence
• Fibrosis of extraocular muscles, congenital, 1
• Congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles