KIF20A

KIF20A (kinesin family member 20A), also known as mitotic kinesin-like protein 2 (MKLP2) or Rab6-interacting motor (RAB6KIFL), is a microtubule-dependent motor protein critical for cytokinesis and vesicle transport. As a member of the kinesin-6 subfamily, it facilitates the separation of daughter cells by mediating the translocation of Golgi-derived vesicles and midbody formation during mitotic exit. KIF20A interacts with RAB6 GTPase to regulate secretory pathway dynamics and participates in the Aurora B kinase-mediated abscission checkpoint. Overexpression of KIF20A is implicated in oncogenesis, correlating with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer through dysregulation of cell cycle progression and chromosomal instability. Current therapeutic strategies target its ATPase domain or protein-protein interactions, with inhibitors like paprotrain and KIF20A-derived peptides showing antitumor efficacy in preclinical models. Several small-molecule antagonists are under evaluation for combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors or radiation.