Kinesin Family, Member 3A (KIF3A)

The deduced 702-amino acid KIF3A protein is 99% identical to the mouse protein. Western blot analysis showed expression of an 85- to 95-kD protein in retina. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated expression of KIF3A in ganglion cells, Muller cells and cell bodies, and in the inner half of the photoreceptor, suggesting that KIF3A is not free to diffuse from the inner segment to the more proximal nuclear and axonal regions of the photoreceptor. Expression was also observed in the ciliary axoneme.

Immunoprecipitation analysis indicated coexpression of Kif3a and Kif3b in mouse brain. In vitro reconstruction experiments determined that Kif3a and Kif3b form a heterodimer and have plus end-directed microtubule sliding activity.