Roles and mechanisms of Kinesin-6 KIF20A in spindle organization during cell division

Mitotic kinesin is crucial for spindle assembly and chromosome segregation in cell division. KIF20A/MKlp2, a member of kinesin-6 subfamily, plays important roles in the central spindle organization at anaphase and cytokinesis. In this review, we briefly introduce the discovery and classification of kinesin-6 motors in model organisms, and summarize the biochemical features and mechanics of KIF20A proteins. We emphasize the complicated interactions of KIF20A with partner proteins, including MKlp1, Plk1 and Rab6. Particularly, we highlight the regulation of Cdk1 and chromosomal passenger complex on kinesin-6 KIF20A at late stage of mitosis. We summarized the multiple functions of KIF20A in central spindle assembly and the formation of cleavage furrow in both mitosis and meiosis. In addition, we conclude the expression patterns of KIF20A in tumorigenesis and its applications in tumor therapy.