InterPro domain: IPR026986

Kinesin-like protein KIF22 (also known as kinesin-like DNA-binding protein, Kid) is a chromokinesin that is involved in spindle formation and the movements of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. KIF22 is associated with chromosome arms and plays an important part in producing the polar ejection forces that move chromosome arms toward the spindle equator at metaphase during mitosis [ 4 ]. Its destruction is needed for anaphase chromosome movement [ 4 ]. Depletion of KIF22 caused abnormal chromosome arm orientation, delayed chromosome congression, and sensitised cells to nocodazole [ 4 ].

Defects in KIF22 are the cause of spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity, type 2 (SEMDJL2), a bone disease characterised by short stature, distinctive midface retrusion, progressive knee malalignment, generalised ligamentous laxity, and mild spinal deformity [ 5 , 6 ].

1. The Xenopus chromokinesin Xkid is essential for metaphase chromosome alignment and must be degraded to allow anaphase chromosome movement. Cell 102, 411-24
2. Xkid, a chromokinesin required for chromosome alignment on the metaphase plate. Cell 102, 425-35
3. Xkid chromokinesin is required for the meiosis I to meiosis II transition in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Nat. Cell Biol. 4, 737-42
4. Human chromokinesins promote chromosome congression and spindle microtubule dynamics during mitosis. J. Cell Biol. 198, 847-63
5. Whole-exome sequencing identifies mutations of KIF22 in spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity, leptodactylic type. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 89, 760-6
6. Recurrent dominant mutations affecting two adjacent residues in the motor domain of the monomeric kinesin KIF22 result in skeletal dysplasia and joint laxity. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 89, 767-72