From Motor Proteins to Oncogenic Factors: The Evolving Role of Kinesin Superfamily Proteins in Breast Cancer Development.

The kinesin family of proteins (KIFs), known for their role as motor proteins, is integral to transporting cargo within cells along microtubule tracks, which is crucial for processes, such as cell division, differentiation, and intracellular communication. Increasing evidence shows that specific KIFs are overexpressed in breast cancer, a change linked to higher tumor aggression and poorer outcomes in patients. KIFs contribute to the cancerous characteristics of breast tumor cells through several mechanisms, including disruptions in spindle assembly during cell division, altered cell motility, and accelerated proliferation. This review summarizes current insights into KIFs' functions in breast cancer pathology and assesses their viability as therapeutic targets. By unraveling the complex involvement of KIFs, the article aims to open pathways for new therapeutic approaches in breast cancer and to promote further study into the cellular pathways that these proteins regulate.