KIF14 antibodies are immunoglobulin-based reagents designed to specifically bind to the KIF14 protein. They are used in techniques such as Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and immunoprecipitation (IP) to investigate KIF14’s expression, localization, and functional roles. KIF14 is implicated in cancer progression, ciliogenesis, and cell cycle regulation, making its study critical for understanding tumorigenesis .
KIF14 antibodies have been instrumental in identifying its dual role as an oncogene or tumor suppressor, depending on cancer type:
Lung Adenocarcinoma:
Glioblastoma:
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC):
KIF14 antibodies revealed its role in primary cilium formation:
Function: KIF14 depletion disrupts ciliogenesis and Hedgehog signaling by deregulating Aurora A kinase .
Methods: IF and CRISPR knockout models linked KIF14 to centrosomal defects .
The table below summarizes pivotal discoveries enabled by KIF14 antibodies:
KIF14 is a microtubule motor protein exhibiting high-affinity binding to microtubules via each tubulin heterodimer. It possesses ATPase activity and plays crucial roles in various cellular processes, including cell division, cytokinesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. During cytokinesis, KIF14 localizes to the central spindle and midbody through interactions with PRC1 and CIT, respectively. It regulates cell growth by modulating cell cycle progression and cytokinesis. Specifically, it influences cell cycle progression through SCF-dependent proteasomal ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, controlling CDKN1B degradation and positively regulating cyclins (CCNE1, CCND1, and CCNB1). In late neurogenesis, KIF14 regulates cerebellar, cerebral cortex, and olfactory bulb development by influencing apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cell division. Furthermore, it's essential for chromosome congression and alignment during mitosis. Finally, KIF14 regulates cell spreading, focal adhesion dynamics, and cell migration via interaction with RADIL, modulating RAP1A-mediated inside-out integrin activation by tethering RADIL to microtubules.
Numerous studies highlight the significance of KIF14 in various biological contexts and disease processes. Key findings include:
KIF14 (Kinesin Family Member 14) is a microtubule motor protein that plays crucial roles in multiple cellular processes. It binds to microtubules with high affinity through tubulin heterodimers and possesses ATPase activity. KIF14 regulates several essential biological functions, including:
Cell division and cytokinesis
Axonal transport in neuronal cells
Cell proliferation and apoptosis
Cell migration and focal adhesion dynamics
Primary cilium formation and ciliogenesis
During cytokinesis, KIF14 targets to the central spindle and midbody through interactions with PRC1 and citron kinase (CIT) . KIF14 also regulates cell growth through cell cycle progression control, particularly through SCF-dependent proteasomal ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic processes that control CDKN1B degradation, leading to positive regulation of cyclins including CCNE1, CCND1, and CCNB1 .
Several types of KIF14 antibodies are commercially available with varying properties suitable for different experimental applications:
When selecting a KIF14 antibody, researchers should consider the specific application, target species, and whether conjugated antibodies might be beneficial for their experimental design .
Proper validation of KIF14 antibodies is critical to ensure experimental rigor. A comprehensive validation approach includes:
Specificity testing: Perform knockdown experiments using siRNA or shRNA targeting KIF14 to confirm antibody specificity. For example, studies have validated KIF14 mRNA FISH probes using MDA-MB-231 cells with knocked-down KIF14 compared to parental cells .
Cross-reactivity assessment: Test the antibody across multiple cell lines or tissues to verify consistent detection patterns. The KIF14 E-3 antibody has been validated for use with mouse, rat, and human samples .
Multiple detection methods: Validate using orthogonal techniques such as:
Western blotting to confirm molecular weight (186 kDa)
Immunofluorescence to verify subcellular localization (primarily cytoplasmic with enrichment at microtubule structures during mitosis)
Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to confirm target identity
Positive and negative controls: Include appropriate controls in each experiment:
Dilution optimization: Determine optimal working concentrations for each application:
For optimal immunofluorescence detection of KIF14:
Cell preparation:
Fix cells using 4% paraformaldehyde for 15 minutes at room temperature
Permeabilize with 0.2% Triton X-100 in PBS for 5 minutes
Block with 3% BSA in PBS for 1 hour at room temperature
Antibody incubation:
Co-staining recommendations:
Imaging parameters:
Use confocal microscopy for high-resolution imaging of KIF14 localization
For time-lapse imaging of KIF14 dynamics during cell division, use GFP-tagged KIF14 constructs
Signal interpretation:
In interphase cells: Primarily cytoplasmic with microtubule association
During mitosis: Enriched at the central spindle
During cytokinesis: Concentrated at the midbody
KIF14 has been implicated in chemotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). A methodological approach to investigating this phenomenon includes:
Expression correlation analysis:
Use KIF14 antibodies for immunohistochemistry on TNBC patient samples before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Score KIF14 expression levels and correlate with treatment response
Studies have shown that increased KIF14 expression correlates with resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced TNBC
Functional studies using KIF14 modulation:
Establish KIF14 knockdown cell lines using siRNA or shRNA
Perform KIF14 overexpression in non-cancerous mammary epithelial cells
Test differential chemosensitivity using cell viability assays
Research has demonstrated that experimental decrease in KIF14 expression increases docetaxel chemosensitivity in TNBC
Mechanism investigation:
Examine AKT phosphorylation status after KIF14 knockdown using phospho-specific antibodies
Perform co-immunoprecipitation assays to identify KIF14 interaction partners
Rescue experiments using constitutively active AKT1 (myristoylated AKT1) to reverse chemosensitization
Evidence indicates that KIF14 knockdown correlates with decreased AKT phosphorylation and activity
KIF14 inhibitor studies:
Test small molecule inhibitors of KIF14 (e.g., (E)-2-(4-isopropyl-3-nitrobenzylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide)
Compare effects with AKT inhibitors like MK-2206
Measure chemosensitization effects when combined with standard chemotherapeutics
KIF14 inhibition has shown comparable chemosensitization to AKT inhibition when given with docetaxel
KIF14 plays a critical role in cilia formation. Research methodologies to investigate this function include:
Depletion studies:
Time-lapse microscopy:
Basal body component analysis:
Rescue experiments:
Hedgehog signaling assessment:
Non-specific binding is a common challenge with antibodies. For KIF14 antibodies, consider these methodological approaches:
Optimization of blocking conditions:
Test different blocking agents (BSA, normal serum, commercial blockers)
Extend blocking time to 2 hours at room temperature
Include 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in blocking solution to reduce non-specific hydrophobic interactions
Antibody dilution optimization:
Sample preparation considerations:
For tissue samples: Optimize antigen retrieval methods (test both citrate buffer pH 6.0 and TE buffer pH 9.0)
For cell lines: Use appropriate fixation methods (4% PFA for immunofluorescence, ice-cold methanol for specific epitopes)
Validation with multiple antibodies:
Controls to include:
Peptide competition assays to confirm binding specificity
Antibody omission controls to assess secondary antibody specificity
KIF14 knockdown samples as negative controls
When using KIF14 antibodies in tissue microarray (TMA) analyses for cancer research:
Antibody selection and validation:
Staining protocol optimization:
For KIF14 IHC, use antigen retrieval with TE buffer pH 9.0 or alternatively citrate buffer pH 6.0
Optimize primary antibody dilution (typically 1:50-1:500)
Use appropriate detection systems (HRP/DAB or fluorescent-based)
Scoring methodology:
Develop a consistent scoring system for KIF14 expression (e.g., H-score, Allred score)
Assess both staining intensity and percentage of positive cells
Consider automated image analysis for objective quantification
Clinical data correlation:
Multi-marker analysis:
Consider co-staining for KIF14 and AKT pathway components
Perform multiplexed immunofluorescence to assess co-localization patterns
Analyze correlations between KIF14 and other potential biomarkers
KIF14 plays important roles in neuronal development. Methodological approaches include:
Expression analysis in developing neural tissues:
Use KIF14 antibodies for immunohistochemistry on brain sections at different developmental stages
Perform Western blot analysis to quantify expression levels across development
Correlate with markers of neurogenesis and neural differentiation
Primary neural cell culture studies:
Isolate primary neurons from embryonic or postnatal brains
Manipulate KIF14 expression using siRNA or overexpression constructs
Analyze effects on neurite outgrowth, branching, and synaptic development
Use immunofluorescence with KIF14 antibodies to track subcellular localization
Investigation of KIF14's role in axonal transport:
Perform live imaging of fluorescently-tagged cargo in KIF14-depleted neurons
Conduct co-immunoprecipitation studies to identify neuronal KIF14 cargo
Use super-resolution microscopy to visualize KIF14-cargo complexes along axonal microtubules
Developmental phenotyping:
During late neurogenesis, KIF14 regulates cerebellar, cerebral cortex, and olfactory bulb development
Use KIF14 antibodies to examine expression patterns in specific brain regions
Correlate KIF14 expression with apoptosis markers, proliferation markers, and cell division indices
To investigate the mechanism by which KIF14 regulates AKT phosphorylation:
Co-localization studies:
Biochemical interaction analyses:
Conduct co-immunoprecipitation assays using KIF14 antibodies
Perform proximity ligation assays to detect direct interactions in situ
Use pull-down assays with recombinant proteins to map interaction domains
Functional studies:
Modulate KIF14 expression/activity and measure AKT phosphorylation at specific residues (Ser473, Thr308)
Use phospho-specific antibodies in Western blotting
Compare effects on AKT substrates to confirm pathway activation/inhibition
Inhibitor studies:
Pathway dissection:
Investigate the effects of KIF14 modulation on upstream AKT regulators (PI3K, PDK1, mTORC2)
Determine if KIF14 affects AKT phosphatase activity (PP2A, PHLPP)
Use rescue experiments with constitutively active AKT to bypass KIF14 regulation