KIF17 (Kinesin Family Member 17) is a neuronal-specific kinesin motor protein that mediates intracellular transport along microtubules. It plays critical roles in synaptic plasticity, memory formation, and neuronal signaling.
| KIF17 | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kinesin Family Member 17 |
| Chromosome | 1p34.2 |
| NCBI Gene ID | [57576](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/57576) |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000125485 |
| OMIM ID | 608341 |
| UniProt ID | [Q9P2E5](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9P2E5) |
| Protein Class | Kinesin motor protein |
| Transport Direction | Anterograde (dendrite → soma) |
KIF17 is a member of the kinesin-3 family, characterized by its Neuronal-specific expression and unique cargo-binding properties. Unlike other kinesins that transport cargo toward the plus end of microtubules (anterograde), KIF17 transports specific synaptic proteins in the opposite direction—toward the minus end (retrograde) within dendrites.
The protein consists of:
KIF17 transports several critical synaptic proteins:
| Cargo | Function |
|---|---|
| NR2B (GRIN2B) | NMDA receptor subunit |
| Synaptic vesicle proteins | Neurotransmitter release machinery |
| mRNA particles | Local protein synthesis |
| RhoGEF | Synaptic signaling |
KIF17 is crucial for activity-dependent synaptic plasticity:
KIF17 dysfunction contributes to memory deficits through:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Link | KIF17 mutations identified in ID patients |
| Mechanism | Impaired synaptic protein transport |
| Phenotype | Cognitive impairment, sometimes with other neurological features |
While not directly causal, KIF17 may be relevant to:
KIF17-mediated transport may be affected in:
KIF17 is primarily expressed in:
It is localized to: