KIF5B is a member of kinesin superfamily protein 5 (KIF5). KIF5 consists of three family members referred to as KIF5A, KIF5B, and KIF5C. KIF5A and KIF5C are specifically expressed in neurons whereas KIF5B is expressed ubiquitously. Targeted disruption of the kif5B gene resulted in embryonic lethality. These and other studies demonstrate that KIF5B plays an important role in the localization and distribution of major organelles, including the mitochondria and lysosome, and can contribute to autophagy. In addition, gene rearrangements involving KIF5B fusions to ALK and RET have been identified as drivers for lung cancer and other malignancies.
