RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 ‘Kinesinopathies’: emerging role of the kinesin family member genes in birth defects JF Journal of Medical Genetics JO J Med Genet FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 797 OP 807 DO 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106769 VO 57 IS 12 A1 Silvia Kalantari A1 Isabel Filges YR 2020 UL http://jmg.bmj.com/content/57/12/797.abstract AB Motor kinesins are a family of evolutionary conserved proteins involved in intracellular trafficking of various cargoes, first described in the context of axonal transport. They were discovered to have a key importance in cell-cycle dynamics and progression, including chromosomal condensation and alignment, spindle formation and cytokinesis, as well as ciliogenesis and cilia function. Recent evidence suggests that impairment of kinesins is associated with a variety of human diseases consistent with their functions and evolutionary conservation. Through the advent of gene identification using genome-wide sequencing approaches, their role in monogenic disorders now emerges, particularly for birth defects, in isolated as well as multiple congenital anomalies. We can observe recurrent phenotypical themes such as microcephaly, certain brain anomalies, and anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, as well as syndromic phenotypes reminiscent of ciliopathies. Together with the molecular and functional data, we suggest understanding these ‘kinesinopathies’ as a recognisable entity with potential value for research approaches and clinical care.