Kinesin Family, Member 26A (KIF26A)

Overexpression of the Kif26a tail domain resulted in similar inhibition of GDNF-RET signaling, and this effect was independent of microtubule binding. Knockdown of KIF26A in human neuroblastoma cells elevated GDNF-RET signaling, followed by ERK1/ERK2 and AKT phosphorylation.

The deduced 1,481-amino acid protein shares significant similarity with KIF3A. RT-PCR ELISA revealed highest KIF26A expression in kidney and pancreas and much lower expression in adult heart, spleen, and ovary and in fetal liver and brain. Variable KIF26A expression was detected in specific adult brain regions. All other tissues examined, including whole adult brain, showed little to no KIF26A expression.