C20orf19 Inhibitors

Kizuna centrosomal protein, also known as C14orf166 or human chromosome 14 open reading frame 166, is a protein that plays a critical role in maintaining centrosome cohesion and function during mitosis. The term "kizuna" comes from Japanese, meaning "bonds" or "connections," aptly describing the protein's function in linking centrosome components.In the intricate process of cell division, the centrosome is a key organelle that serves as the main microtubule organizing center, orchestrating the formation of the spindle apparatus responsible for segregating chromosomes into daughter cells. Kizuna centrosomal protein ensures the integrity of the centrosomes and is particularly important during the G2 phase and mitosis when centrosomes duplicate and mature, enabling them to form bipolar spindles.

Molecularly, kizuna is associated with the PCM (pericentriolar material) and has been shown to interact with other centrosomal proteins, which are essential for spindle formation and stability. It is believed that kizuna contributes to the recruitment or anchoring of these proteins and microtubules to the centrosome, thus facilitating proper spindle assembly.Mutations or dysregulation of kizuna centrosomal protein can lead to errors in chromosome segregation and are implicated in the development of aneuploidy, a condition where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes, which is a hallmark of many cancers. Investigating the precise mechanisms by which kizuna operates could provide insight into the fundamental processes of cell division and reveal potential targets for cancer therapy.