KIF18A inhibition: the next big player in the search for cancer therapeutics.

Abstract

Kinesin-like protein 18A (KIF18A) is a member of the kinesin family of molecular motor proteins, which utilise energy from the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to regulate critical cellular processes such as chromosome movement and microtubule dynamics. KIF18A plays a vital role in controlling microtubule length, which is crucial for maintaining proper cell function and division. Notably, increased expression levels of KIF18A have been observed in various types of cancer, indicating its potential involvement in tumour progression. Although preclinical studies have demonstrated that KIF18A is not essential for normal somatic cell division, it appears to be crucial for the survival and division of cancer cells, particularly those exhibiting chromosomal instability. This dependency makes KIF18A a promising target for developing new therapeutic strategies aimed at treating chromosomally unstable cancers. This review delves into the structural and functional aspects of KIF18A, and its role in cancer development, and evaluates current and emerging approaches to targeting KIF18A with innovative cancer treatments.