KIF-binding protein

KIFBP (KIF-binding protein) is a 71.8 kDa protein that functions as an activator of KIF1B plus-end-directed microtubule motor activity (UniProt: Q96EK5). It plays a critical role in organizing axonal microtubules and supporting axonal outgrowth and maintenance during peripheral and central nervous system development.

The protein is involved in neuronal structure and function, with UniProt documenting an association with Goldberg-Shprintzen syndrome (GOSHS), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, microcephaly, and dysmorphic facial features often accompanied by Hirschsprung disease (UniProt: Q96EK5).

KIFBP is down-regulated in Alzheimer's disease brain tissue. Analysis of post-mortem AD brain versus age-matched controls using TMT-labeled quantitative proteomics across four subcellular fractions (P2, P3, S2, S3) revealed a mean log2 fold-change of −0.23 (Chaparral AD proteomics). This reduction in KIFBP abundance may reflect impaired axonal integrity and microtubule dynamics characteristic of AD neurodegeneration.