The multifaceted role of KIF15 in cancer progression and therapy.

Abstract

Kinesin family member 15 (KIF15), a kinesin superfamily motor protein, is known to be involved in mitotic spindle formation and chromosome movement during cell division. Recent research has determined KIF15 to be a crucial regulator in several oncogenic pathways and proposed that its role may extend beyond mere cell mechanics. Aberrant KIF15 expression has also been found to be involved in the onset of numerous cancers by promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasive abilities of cancer cells, thereby leading to increased metastatic capability. This review summarizes knowledge of the complex roles of KIF15 in cancer biology, highlighting its regulatory functions and interactions with key signaling pathways that control cell cycle kinetics and mechanisms for tumorigenesis. Moreover, the elevated levels of KIF15 in certain types of cancer make it an amenable target for therapy. New directions toward inhibiting activity or reducing the levels of KIF15 promise to restrict tumor growth, offering new hope for cancer treatment. This combined understanding of KIF15 functions stresses its importance not only in the fundamental processes of cell division but also in the developing field of cancer treatment, highlighting the ongoing necessity for extensive research into creating effective treatments targeted against KIF15 in oncology.