KIF11 silencing and inhibition induces chromosome instability in human cells

Abstract

Chromosome Instability (CIN) is defined as an increase in the rate at which whole chromosomes or large parts are gained or lost. CIN is not only associated with virtually all tumor types, but it is associated with aggressive tumors, tumor recurrence, acquisition of multidrug resistance and poor patient prognosis. However, the genes and molecular defects that contribute to CIN are poorly understood. I hypothesize that KIF11 is an essential gene for chromosomes integrity during mitosis and therefore any defect in KIF11 expression or function will induce CIN and contribute to tumorigenesis. Accordingly, KIF11 was either silenced using siRNA or inhibited using monastrol within two distinct human cell lines and was investigated for CIN associated phenotypes. Here, I have identified and validated KIF11 as a novel CIN gene. This study represents the first steps necessary to identify and develop novel treatments design to target origins of CIN in CIN associated cancers.