Adopting the orphan: determining the role of the motor protein KIF9 during the cell cycle

Author

• Miguel E. Rivera Rios

Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Abstract

The kinesin superfamily of microtubule motor proteins is subdivided into families based upon structure and function. KIF9 is the founding member of the Kinesin-9 family, which is a largely uncharacterized group of kinesins. It was originally identified by sequence homology to other kinesins. Subsequent studies have shown that KIF9 interacts with proteins involved in cell shape remodeling, cell migration and proper centrosomal positioning. We have examined KIF9 function in mammalian cells using shRNA-mediated knockdown and GFP-plasmid overexpression. By knocking dow KIF9 expression in these cells, we have seen several effects on normal cell cycle progression. Using various cell cycle markers, we have observed a decrease in the number of cells in late S phase. In addition, there is a marked increase in the number of cells in early mitosis in unexpected time intervals. We propose that KIF9 is required for proper cell progression, via a potentially novel checkpoint mechanism.

Comments

by Miguel E. Rivera Rios.

Recommended Citation

Rivera Rios, Miguel E., "Adopting the orphan: determining the role of the motor protein KIF9 during the cell cycle" (2012). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 101.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/101

Extent

36 p.

Identifier

819546183