Chromokinesin: Kinesin superfamily regulating cell division through chromosome and spindle

•Functions of special kinesins in cell cycle are summarized.•Main functions of different chromokinesin family members are reviewed.•Another regulation mechanism of chromosome movement are introduced.•Some potential chromokinesins are mentioned.

Material transportation is essential for appropriate cellular morphology and functions, especially during cell division. As a motor protein moving along microtubules, kinesin has several intracellular functions. Many kinesins play important roles in chromosome condensation and separation and spindle organization during the cell cycle. Some of them even can directly bind to chromosomes, as a result, these proteins are called chromokinesins. Kinesin-4 and kinesin-10 family are two major families of chromokinesin and many members can regulate some processes, both in mitosis and meiosis. Their functions have been widely studied. Here, we summarize current knowledge about known chromokinesins and introduce their intracellular features in accordance with different families. Furthermore, we have also introduced some new-found but unconfirmed kinesins which may have a relationship with chromosomes or the cell cycle.