KIF9
Kif9: A Key Regulator of Neuronal Function and Development
Description
Kif9 (kinesin family member 9) is a motor protein that plays a crucial role in the transport of cargo along microtubules within neurons. Microtubules are essential for neuronal structure and function, serving as "intracellular highways" for transporting vital molecules throughout the cells. Kif9 is responsible for the anterograde transport of organelles, vesicles, and proteins from the cell body to the synapse, the point of communication between neurons.
Associated Diseases
Mutations in the KIF9 gene have been linked to several neurodegenerative disorders, including:
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2A (CMT2A): A progressive peripheral neuropathy characterized by muscle weakness, foot deformities, and sensory loss.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
- Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline.
Did you Know ?
- Mutations in the KIF9 gene account for approximately 30% of cases of CMT2A, making it the most common genetic cause of this condition.
