Kinesin-like protein KIF3B is a protein

Protein

Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...

 that in humans is encoded by the KIF3B gene

Gene

A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...

.

Function

The protein encoded by this gene forms a heterotrimeric motor complex with kinesin family member 3A

KIF3A

Kinesin-like protein KIF3A is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KIF3A gene.- Function :KIF3A is one subunit of the heterotrimeric motor protein, kinesin-2, that was initially isolated from sea urchin egg/embryo cytosol using microtubule affinity purification...

 and KAP3 (kinesin accessory protein 3) to drive intra-flagellar

Flagellum

A flagellum is a tail-like projection that protrudes from the cell body of certain prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and plays the dual role of locomotion and sense organ, being sensitive to chemicals and temperatures outside the cell. There are some notable differences between prokaryotic and...

 transport and possibly to aid in chromosome movement during mitosis

Mitosis

Mitosis is the process by which a eukaryotic cell separates the chromosomes in its cell nucleus into two identical sets, in two separate nuclei. It is generally followed immediately by cytokinesis, which divides the nuclei, cytoplasm, organelles and cell membrane into two cells containing roughly...

 and meiosis

Meiosis

Meiosis is a special type of cell division necessary for sexual reproduction. The cells produced by meiosis are gametes or spores. The animals' gametes are called sperm and egg cells....

. The encoded protein is a plus end-directed microtubule

Microtubule

Microtubules are a component of the cytoskeleton. These rope-like polymers of tubulin can grow as long as 25 micrometers and are highly dynamic. The outer diameter of microtubule is about 25 nm. Microtubules are important for maintaining cell structure, providing platforms for intracellular...

 motor and can interact with the SMC3

SMC3 (gene)

Structural maintenance of chromosomes 3, also known as SMC3, is a human gene.-Interactions:SMC3 has been shown to interact with REC8, MXD1, KIFAP3, MXI1 and SMC1A.-External links:*...

 subunit of the cohesin complex

Cohesin

Cohesin is a protein complex that regulates the separation of sister chromatids during cell division, either mitosis or meiosis.- Structure :...

. In addition, the encoded protein may be involved in the intracellular movement of membranous organelle

Organelle

In cell biology, an organelle is a specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function, and is usually separately enclosed within its own lipid bilayer....

s. The heterotrimeric KIF3B/KIF3A/KAP3 motor protein is a member of the kinesin-2 subfamily of the kinesin superfamily.