Details of the Researcher

PHOTO

Kyoko Chiba
Section
Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences
Job title
Assistant Professor
Degree
e-Rad No.
10795701
Profile

2016年に北海道大学にて博士（薬科学）の学位を取得後、カリフォルニア大学デービス校生物科学部（Richard McKenney Lab）において、モータータンパク質の生化学および生物物理学の研究に従事しました。2021年、文部科学省卓越研究員として東北大学学際科学フロンティア研究所テニュアトラック助教に着任しました。

「ニューロンはいかにしてその健康を維持し続けるのか」という問いを研究の核心に据え、分子モーターおよび細胞骨格を中心とした研究を進めています。これまで、キネシンタンパク質の活性制御機構と、その破綻によって生じる神経変性疾患の分子基盤の解明に取り組んできました。特に、軸索輸送の障害がALSをはじめとする運動ニューロン疾患の発症にどのように関与するのか明らかにすることを目指しています。

基礎研究から得られた知見を将来の治療戦略へとつなげることで、神経難病の克服に貢献することを目標としています。

Research History 5

  • 2021/04 - Present
    東北大学 学際科学フロンティア研究所 助教

  • 2021/01 - 2025/03
    文部科学省卓越研究員

  • 2017/06 - 2021/03
    カリフォルニア大学デービス校（Richard McKenney 研究室）博士研究員

  • 2016/04 - 2017/03
    北海道大学薬学部（鈴木利治研究室）日本学術振興会特別研究員PD

  • 2017/04 - 2017/05
    北海道大学薬学部（鈴木利治研究室）博士研究員

Education 3

  • 北海道大学 大学院生命科学院 生命科学専攻 博士後期課程

    2013/04 - 2016/03

  • 北海道大学 大学院生命科学院 生命科学専攻 修士課程

    2011/04 - 2013/03

  • 北海道大学 薬学部 薬科学科

    2007/04 - 2011/03

Research Areas 1

  • Life sciences / Functional biochemistry /

Awards 11

  1. 東北大学優秀女性研究者賞「紫千代萩賞」

    2025/03

  2. WILEY Top Cited Article 2022-2023

    2024/04

  3. WILEY Top Downloaded Article 2022

    2024/03

  4. WILEY Top Cited Article 2021-2022

    2023/02

  5. The Early Career Presentation Award

    2022/09

  6. 日本生化学会北海道支部 若手奨励賞

    2017/07

  7. 北海道大学大塚賞

    2016/03

  8. 第42回日本分子生物学会 海外若手会員招聘企画（トラベルアワード）

    2019/12

  9. 早石修記念海外留学助成

    2018/06

  10. American Society for Cell Biology, International Travel Award

    2016/12

  11. 第86回日本生化学会大会 鈴木紘一メモリアル賞

    2013/09

Show all ︎Show 5

Papers 22

  1. Activated kinesin-1 assembles into a dimer-of-dimers

    Kyoko Chiba

    bioRxiv　2025/12/26

    DOI： 10.64898/2025.12.23.696152 　

  2. Protocol for Reconstituting Adaptor‐Mediated Activation of Full‐Length Kinesin‐1 Peer-reviewed

    Haruka Masumoto, Kyoko Chiba

    Cytoskeleton　2025/12/05

    Publisher: Wiley

    DOI： 10.1002/cm.70079 　

    ISSN： 1949-3584

    eISSN： 1949-3592

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    ABSTRACT Kinesin‐1 is a member of the kinesin superfamily that plays an essential role in intracellular cargo transport. In the absence of cargo, Kinesin‐1 exhibits low motor activity due to autoinhibition. Multiple studies have demonstrated that adaptor proteins, which link cargos to Kinesin‐1, can activate Kinesin‐1 by releasing the autoinhibition. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of adaptor‐mediated activation, in vitro reconstitution of the Kinesin‐1 complex has proven to be a powerful approach. We have shown that the binding of an adaptor protein, Nesprin‐4, is sufficient to activate Kinesin‐1 motility in vitro. Here, we present protocols for the observation and assessment of adaptor‐mediated Kinesin‐1 activation. Using C. elegans and human Kinesin‐1 as examples, we describe steps and critical considerations for preparing the Kinesin‐1 complex. We also detail how to mix it with an adaptor protein and visualize the resulting motility using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. Finally, we describe analytical methods for assessing motor activation. This protocol will be valuable for future studies aiming to evaluate the activation of Kinesin‐1 by known or unknown activator molecules.

  3. Kinesins in Caenorhabditis elegans neuronal morphogenesis Invited Peer-reviewed

    Shinsuke Niwa, Kyoko Chiba

    Open Biology　2025/11

    DOI： 10.1098/rsob.250072 　

  4. The KASH protein UNC-83 differentially regulates kinesin-1 activity to control developmental stage-specific nuclear migration Peer-reviewed

    Selin Gümüşderelioğlu, Natalie Sahabandu, Daniel Elnatan, Ellen F. Gregory, Kyoko Chiba, Shinsuke Niwa, G.W. Gant Luxton, Richard J. McKenney, Daniel A. Starr

    Current Biology　2025/09

    Publisher: Elsevier BV

    DOI： 10.1016/j.cub.2025.08.025 　

    ISSN： 0960-9822

  5. The chromokinesin Kid (KIF22) forms a homodimer, moves processively along microtubules and transports double-strand DNA Peer-reviewed

    Shinsuke Niwa, Natsuki Furusaki, Tomoki Kita, Yuki Suzuki, Kyoko Chiba

    eLife　2024/11/19

    Publisher: eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd

    DOI： 10.7554/elife.102828.1 　

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    During prometaphase in mitosis, chromosomes are pushed toward the spindle equator. The chromokinesin Kid, also known as KIF22, moves chromosomes along spindle microtubules during prometaphase. Kid has long been considered as a monomeric and non-processive motor, different from typical kinesins. In this study, we demonstrate that the full-length Kid forms a homodimer and moves processively along microtubules. A conserved coiled-coil domain within the stalk region of Kid is not only capable of homodimer formation, but is also required for the processivity of Kid. Furthermore, the neck linker and coiled-coil domains of Kid could add processive activity to the motor domain of KIF1A, suggesting that Kid contains a functional neck linker and dimerization capability, a prerequisite for the processivity of kinesin motor domains. The full-length Kid, containing a helix-hairpin-helix domain, can transport double-strand DNA along microtubules in vitro. These findings collectively suggest the reclassification of Kid as a processive motor that transports DNA along microtubules.

  6. Characterizing human KIF1Bß motor activity by single-molecule motility assays and Caenorhabtidis elegans genetics Peer-reviewed

    Rei Iguchi, Tomoki Kita, Taisei Watanabe, Kyoko Chiba, Shinsuke Niwa

    Journal of Cell Science　2024/09/16

    Publisher: The Company of Biologists

    DOI： 10.1242/jcs.261783 　

    ISSN： 0021-9533

    eISSN： 1477-9137

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    The axonal transport of synaptic vesicle precursors relies on KIF1A and UNC-104 ortholog motors. In mammals, KIF1Bß is also responsible for the axonal transport of synaptic vesicle precursors. Mutations in KIF1A and KIF1Bß lead to a wide range of neuropathies. While previous studies have revealed the biochemical, biophysical and cell biological properties of KIF1A, and its defects in neurological disorders, the fundamental properties of KIF1Bß remain elusive. In this study, we determined the motile parameters of KIF1Bß through single-molecule motility assays. We find that the C-terminal region of KIF1Bß has an inhibitory role in the motor activity. Alphafold2 prediction suggests that the C-terminal region blocks the motor domain. Additionally, we established simple methods for testing the axonal transport activity of human KIF1Bß using Caenorhabditis elegans genetics. Taking advantage of these methods, we demonstrated that these assays enable the detection of reduced KIF1Bß activities both in vitro and in vivo, that is caused by a Charcot-Marie-Tooth-disease-associated Q98L mutation.

  7. The FHA domain is essential for the autoinhibition of KIF1A/UNC-104 Peer-reviewed

    Shinsuke Niwa, Taisei Watanabe, Kyoko Chiba

    Journal of Cell Science　2024/09/06

    Publisher: The Company of Biologists

    DOI： 10.1242/jcs.262017 　

    ISSN： 0021-9533

    eISSN： 1477-9137

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    KIF1A/UNC-104, a member of the kinesin superfamily motor proteins, plays a pivotal role in the axonal transport of synaptic vesicles and their precursors. Drosophila melanogaster UNC-104 (DmUNC-104) is a relatively recently discovered Drosophila kinesin. Although some point mutations that disrupt synapse formation have been identified, the biochemical properties of DmUNC-104 protein have not been investigated. Here, we prepared recombinant full-length DmUNC-104 protein and determined its biochemical features. We analyzed the effect of a previously identified missense mutation in the forkhead-associated (FHA) domain, called bristly (bris). The bris mutation strongly promoted the dimerization of DmUNC-104 protein, whereas wild-type DmUNC-104 was a mixture of monomers and dimers. We further tested the G618R mutation near the FHA domain which was previously shown to disrupt the autoinhibition of C. elegans UNC-104. The biochemical properties of the G618R mutant recapitulated those of the bris mutant. Finally, we found that disease-associated mutations also promote the dimerization of DmUNC-104. Collectively, our results suggest that the FHA domain is essential for the autoinhibition of KIF1A/UNC-104, and that abnormal dimerization of KIF1A is linked to human diseases.

  8. Autoinhibition and activation of kinesin-1 and their involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Invited Peer-reviewed

    Kyoko Chiba, Shinsuke Niwa

    Current Opinion in Cell Biology　86　102301-102301　2024/02

    Publisher: Elsevier BV

    DOI： 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102301 　

    ISSN： 0955-0674

  9. Comparative analysis of two Caenorhabditis elegans kinesins KLP-6 and UNC-104 reveals a common and distinct activation mechanism in kinesin-3 Peer-reviewed

    Tomoki Kita, Kyoko Chiba, Jiye Wang, Atsushi Nakagawa, Shinsuke Niwa

    eLife　12　2024/01/11

    Publisher: eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd

    DOI： 10.7554/elife.89040 　

    eISSN： 2050-084X

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    Kinesin-3 is a family of microtubule-dependent motor proteins that transport various cargos within the cell. However, the mechanism underlying kinesin-3 activations remains largely elusive. In this study, we compared the biochemical properties of two Caenorhabditis elegans kinesin-3 family proteins, KLP-6 and UNC-104. Both KLP-6 and UNC-104 are predominantly monomeric in solution. As previously shown for UNC-104, non-processive KLP-6 monomer is converted to a processive motor when artificially dimerized. We present evidence that releasing the autoinhibition is sufficient to trigger dimerization of monomeric UNC-104 at nanomolar concentrations, which results in processive movement of UNC-104 on microtubules, although it has long been thought that enrichment in the phospholipid microdomain on cargo vesicles is required for the dimerization and processive movement of UNC-104. In contrast, KLP-6 remains to be a non-processive monomer even when its autoinhibition is unlocked, suggesting a requirement of other factors for full activation. By examining the differences between KLP-6 and UNC-104, we identified a coiled-coil domain called coiled-coil 2 (CC2) that is required for the efficient dimerization and processive movement of UNC-104. Our results suggest a common activation mechanism for kinesin-3 family members, while also highlighting their diversification.

  10. Generation of recombinant and chickenized scFv versions of an anti-kinesin monoclonal antibody H2. International-journal Peer-reviewed

    Shinsuke Niwa, Kyoko Chiba

    Cytoskeleton　2023/04/10

    DOI： 10.1002/cm.21756 　

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    Kinesin-1, a motor protein composed of the kinesin heavy chain (KHC) and the kinesin light chain (KLC), is essential for proper cellular morphogenesis and function. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) called H2 recognizes the KHC in a broad range of species and is one of the most widely used mAbs in cytoskeletal motor research. Here, we present vectors that express recombinant H2 in mammalian cells. We show the recombinant H2 performs as well as the hybridoma-derived H2 in both western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Additionally, the recombinant H2 can detect all three human KHC isotypes (KIF5A, KIF5B, and KIF5C) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated KIF5A aggregates in cells. In addition, we developed a chickenized version of the H2 mAb's single chain variable fragment, which can be used in immunofluorescence microscopy and expands the potential applications of H2. Overall, our results demonstrate that recombinant H2 is a useful tool for studying the functions of KHCs.

  11. Insight into the regulation of axonal transport from the study of KIF1A-associated neurological disorder Invited Peer-reviewed

    Kyoko Chiba, Tomoki Kita, Yuzu Anazawa, Shinsuke Niwa

    Journal of Cell Science　136　(5)　2023/01/19

    Publisher: The Company of Biologists

    DOI： 10.1242/jcs.260742 　

    ISSN： 0021-9533

    eISSN： 1477-9137

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    ABSTRACT Neuronal function depends on axonal transport by kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs). KIF1A is the molecular motor that transports synaptic vesicle precursors, synaptic vesicles, dense core vesicles and active zone precursors. KIF1A is regulated by an autoinhibitory mechanism; many studies, as well as the crystal structure of KIF1A paralogs, support a model whereby autoinhibited KIF1A is monomeric in solution, whereas activated KIF1A is dimeric on microtubules. KIF1A-associated neurological disorder (KAND) is a broad-spectrum neuropathy that is caused by mutations in KIF1A. More than 100 point mutations have been identified in KAND. In vitro assays show that most mutations are loss-of-function mutations that disrupt the motor activity of KIF1A, whereas some mutations disrupt its autoinhibition and abnormally hyperactivate KIF1A. Studies on disease model worms suggests that both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations cause KAND by affecting the axonal transport and localization of synaptic vesicles. In this Review, we discuss how the analysis of these mutations by molecular genetics, single-molecule assays and force measurements have helped to reveal the physiological significance of KIF1A function and regulation, and what physical parameters of KIF1A are fundamental to axonal transport.

  12. Synergistic autoinhibition and activation mechanisms control kinesin-1 motor activity. International-journal Peer-reviewed

    Kyoko Chiba, Kassandra M Ori-McKenney, Shinsuke Niwa, Richard J McKenney

    Cell reports　39　(9)　110900-110900　2022/05/31

    DOI： 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110900 　

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    Kinesin-1 activity is regulated by autoinhibition. Intramolecular interactions within the kinesin heavy chain (KHC) are proposed to be one facet of motor regulation. The KHC also binds to the kinesin light chain (KLC), which has been implicated in both autoinhibition and activation of the motor. We show that the KLC inhibits the kinesin-microtubule interaction independently from the proposed intramolecular interaction within KHC. Cargo-adaptor proteins that bind the KLC stimulated processive movement, but the landing rate of activated kinesin complexes remained low. Mitogen-activated protein 7 (MAP7) enhanced motility by increasing the landing rate and run length of the activated kinesin motors. Our results support a model whereby the motor activity of the kinesin is regulated by synergistic inhibition mechanisms and that cargo-adaptor binding to the KLC releases both mechanisms. However, a non-motor MAP is required for robust microtubule association of the activated motor. Thus, human kinesin is regulated by synergistic autoinhibition and activation mechanisms.

  13. An ALS-associated KIF5A mutant forms oligomers and aggregates and induces neuronal toxicity. International-journal Peer-reviewed

    Juri Nakano, Kyoko Chiba, Shinsuke Niwa

    Genes to cells　27　(6)　421-435　2022/04/17

    DOI： 10.1111/gtc.12936 　

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    KIF5A is a kinesin superfamily motor protein that transports various cargos in neurons. Mutations in Kif5a cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These ALS mutations are in the intron of Kif5a and induce mis-splicing of KIF5A mRNA, leading to splicing out of exon 27, which in human KIF5A encodes the cargo-binding tail domain of KIF5A. Therefore, it has been suggested that ALS is caused by loss of function of KIF5A. However, the precise mechanisms regarding how mutations in KIF5A cause ALS remain unclear. Here, we show that an ALS-associated mutant of KIF5A, KIF5A(Δexon27), is predisposed to form oligomers and aggregates in cultured mouse cell lines. Interestingly, purified KIF5A(Δexon27) oligomers showed more active movement on microtubules than wild-type KIF5A in vitro. Purified KIF5A(∆exon27) was prone to form aggregates in vitro. Moreover, KIF5A(Δexon27)-expressing Caenorhabditis elegans neurons showed morphological defects. These data collectively suggest that ALS-associated mutations of KIF5A are toxic gain-of-function mutations rather than simple loss-of-function mutations.

  14. A highly conserved 3 10 helix within the kinesin motor domain is critical for kinesin function and human health International-journal Peer-reviewed

    Aileen J. Lam, Lu Rao, Yuzu Anazawa, Kyoko Okada, Kyoko Chiba, Mariah Dacy, Shinsuke Niwa, Arne Gennerich, Dan W. Nowakowski, Richard J. McKenney

    Science Advances　7　(18)　2021/04/30

    Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

    DOI： 10.1126/sciadv.abf1002 　

    eISSN： 2375-2548

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    An uncharacterized structural element in the kinesin motor domain is shown to be critical for motor function and human health.

  15. Temperature-dependent activity of kinesins is regulable Peer-reviewed

    F. Doval, K. Chiba, R.J. McKenney, K.M. Ori-McKenney, M.D. Vershinin

    Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications　528　(3)　528-530　2020/07

    Publisher: Elsevier BV

    DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.05.157 　

    ISSN： 0006-291X

  16. Disease-associated mutations hyperactivate KIF1A motility and anterograde axonal transport of synaptic vesicle precursors Peer-reviewed

    Kyoko Chiba, Hironori Takahashi, Min Chen, Hiroyuki Obinata, Shogo Arai, Koichi Hashimoto, Toshiyuki Oda, Richard J. McKenney, Shinsuke Niwa

    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences　116　(37)　18429-18434　2019/09/10

    Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

    DOI： 10.1073/pnas.1905690116 　

    ISSN： 0027-8424

    eISSN： 1091-6490

  17. The cytoplasmic region of the amyloid β‐protein precursor ( APP ) is necessary and sufficient for the enhanced fast velocity of APP transport by kinesin‐1 International-journal Peer-reviewed

    Maoko Tsukamoto, Kyoko Chiba, Yuriko Sobu, Yuzuha Shiraki, Yuka Okumura, Saori Hata, Akira Kitamura, Tadashi Nakaya, Seiichi Uchida, Masataka Kinjo, Hidenori Taru, Toshiharu Suzuki

    FEBS Letters　592　(16)　2716-2724　2018/08

    Publisher: Wiley

    DOI： 10.1002/1873-3468.13204 　

    ISSN： 0014-5793

    eISSN： 1873-3468

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    Amyloid β-protein precursor (APP) is transported mainly by kinesin-1 and at a higher velocity than other kinesin-1 cargos, such as Alcadein α (Alcα); this is denoted by the enhanced fast velocity (EFV). Interaction of the APP cytoplasmic region with kinesin-1, which is essential for EFV transport, is mediated by JNK-interacting protein 1 (JIP1). To determine the roles of interactions between the APP luminal region and cargo components, we monitored transport of chimeric cargo receptors, Alcα (luminal)-APP (cytoplasmic) and APP (luminal)-Alcα (cytoplasmic). Alcα-APP is transported at the EFV, whereas APP-Alcα is transported at the same velocity as wild-type Alcα. Thus, the cytoplasmic region of APP is necessary and sufficient for the EFV of APP transport by kinesin-1.

  18. Phosphorylation of KLC1 modifies interaction with JIP1 and abolishes the enhanced fast velocity of APP transport by kinesin-1 International-journal Peer-reviewed

    Kyoko Chiba, Ko-yi Chien, Yuriko Sobu, Saori Hata, Shun Kato, Tadashi Nakaya, Yasushi Okada, Angus C. Nairn, Masataka Kinjo, Hidenori Taru, Rong Wang, Toshiharu Suzuki

    Molecular Biology of the Cell　28　(26)　3857-3869　2017/12/15

    Publisher: American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB)

    DOI： 10.1091/mbc.e17-05-0303 　

    ISSN： 1059-1524

    eISSN： 1939-4586

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    In neurons, amyloid β-protein precursor (APP) is transported by binding to kinesin-1, mediated by JNK-interacting protein 1b (JIP1b), which generates the enhanced fast velocity (EFV) and efficient high frequency (EHF) of APP anterograde transport. Previously, we showed that EFV requires conventional interaction between the JIP1b C-terminal region and the kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1) tetratricopeptide repeat, whereas EHF requires a novel interaction between the central region of JIP1b and the coiled-coil domain of KLC1. We found that phosphorylatable Thr466 of KLC1 regulates the conventional interaction with JIP1b. Substitution of Glu for Thr466 abolished this interaction and EFV, but did not impair the novel interaction responsible for EHF. Phosphorylation of KLC1 at Thr466 increased in aged brains, and JIP1 binding to kinesin-1 decreased, suggesting that APP transport is impaired by aging. We conclude that phosphorylation of KLC1 at Thr466 regulates the velocity of transport of APP by kinesin-1 by modulating its interaction with JIP1b.

  19. Quantitative analysis of APP axonal transport in neurons: role of JIP1 in enhanced APP anterograde transport. International-journal Peer-reviewed

    Kyoko Chiba, Masahiko Araseki, Keisuke Nozawa, Keiko Furukori, Yoichi Araki, Takahide Matsushima, Tadashi Nakaya, Saori Hata, Yuhki Saito, Seiichi Uchida, Yasushi Okada, Angus C Nairn, Roger J Davis, Tohru Yamamoto, Masataka Kinjo, Hidenori Taru, Toshiharu Suzuki

    Molecular biology of the cell　25　(22)　3569-80　2014/11/05

    DOI： 10.1091/mbc.E14-06-1111 　

    ISSN： 1059-1524

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    Alzheimer's β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) associates with kinesin-1 via JNK-interacting protein 1 (JIP1); however, the role of JIP1 in APP transport by kinesin-1 in neurons remains unclear. We performed a quantitative analysis to understand the role of JIP1 in APP axonal transport. In JIP1-deficient neurons, we find that both the fast velocity (∼2.7 μm/s) and high frequency (66%) of anterograde transport of APP cargo are impaired to a reduced velocity (∼1.83 μm/s) and a lower frequency (45%). We identified two novel elements linked to JIP1 function, located in the central region of JIP1b, that interact with the coiled-coil domain of kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1), in addition to the conventional interaction of the JIP1b 11-amino acid C-terminal (C11) region with the tetratricopeptide repeat of KLC1. High frequency of APP anterograde transport is dependent on one of the novel elements in JIP1b. Fast velocity of APP cargo transport requires the C11 domain, which is regulated by the second novel region of JIP1b. Furthermore, efficient APP axonal transport is not influenced by phosphorylation of APP at Thr-668, a site known to be phosphorylated by JNK. Our quantitative analysis indicates that enhanced fast-velocity and efficient high-frequency APP anterograde transport observed in neurons are mediated by novel roles of JIP1b.

  20. Simple and Direct Assembly of Kymographs from Movies Using KYMOMAKER Peer-reviewed

    Kyoko Chiba, Yuki Shimada, Masataka Kinjo, Toshiharu Suzuki, Seiich Uchida

    Traffic　15　(1)　1-11　2014/01

    Publisher: Wiley

    DOI： 10.1111/tra.12127 　

    ISSN： 1398-9219

  21. Phosphorylation of multiple sites within an acidic region of Alcadein α is required for kinesin-1 association and Golgi exit of Alcadein α cargo International-journal Peer-reviewed

    Yuriko Sobu, Keiko Furukori, Kyoko Chiba, Angus C. Nairn, Masataka Kinjo, Saori Hata, Toshiharu Suzuki

    Molecular Biology of the Cell　28　(26)　3844-3856　2017/12/15

    Publisher: American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB)

    DOI： 10.1091/mbc.e17-05-0301 　

    ISSN： 1059-1524

    eISSN： 1939-4586

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    Alcadein α (Alcα) is a major cargo of kinesin-1 that is subjected to anterograde transport in neuronal axons. Two tryptophan- and aspartic acid-containing (WD) motifs located in its cytoplasmic domain directly bind the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) motifs of the kinesin light chain (KLC), which activate kinesin-1 and recruit kinesin-1 to Alcα cargo. We found that phosphorylation of three serine residues in the acidic region located between the two WD motifs is required for interaction with KLC. Phosphorylation of these serine residues may alter the disordered structure of the acidic region to induce direct association with KLC. Replacement of these serines with Ala results in a mutant that is unable to bind kinesin-1, which impairs exit of Alcα cargo from the Golgi. Despite this deficiency, the compromised Alcα mutant was still transported, albeit improperly by vesicles following missorting of the Alcα mutant with amyloid β-protein precursor (APP) cargo. This suggests that APP partially compensates for defective Alcα in anterograde transport by providing an alternative cargo receptor for kinesin-1.

  22. Facilitation of brain mitochondrial activity by 5-aminolevulinic acid in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. International-journal Peer-reviewed

    Chiori Omori, Rika Motodate, Yuzuha Shiraki, Kyoko Chiba, Yuriko Sobu, Ayano Kimura, Tadashi Nakaya, Hikaru Kondo, Satoshi Kurumiya, Toru Tanaka, Kazuo Yamamoto, Motowo Nakajima, Toshiharu Suzuki, Saori Hata

    Nutritional neuroscience　20　(9)　538-546　2017/11

    DOI： 10.1080/1028415X.2016.1199114 　

    ISSN： 1028-415X

    eISSN： 1476-8305

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Presentations 19

  1. How pathogenic mutations disrupt kinesin regulation International-presentation Invited

    Kyoko Chiba

    ゴードン会議 Gordon Research Conference "Cytoskeletal Motors"

  2. Cell Biological and Biophysical Characterization of ALS-Associated KIF5A Mutant International-presentation Invited

    ICKSMCB 2025 (International Conference of the Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 2025)　2025/09/30

  3. キネシンモータータンパク質の機能異常と神経変性疾患 Invited

    千葉杏子

    第七回 三融会・武田神経科学シンポジウム　2025/04/20

  4. Biochemical and Biophysical Analysis of ALS-associated KIF5A mutant International-presentation Invited

    BPS2025 (Biophysical Society 69th Annual Meeting) Motility & Cytoskeleton Subgroup Symposium　2025/02/15

  5. Kinesin-3 の分子内相互作用と自己阻害 Invited

    千葉杏子

    第12回分子モーター討論会　2023/09/28

  6. An ALS-associated KIF5A mutant forms oligomers and aggregates and induces neuronal toxicity Invited

    Kyoko Chiba, Juri Nakano, Shinsuke Niwa

    2022/09/28

  7. In Vitro Reconstitution of Kinesin-1 Activation Invited

    Kyoko Chiba

    2021/11/25

  8. Aggregation-Inducing Region of ALS-Associated KIF5A Mutant International-presentation

    2024 ASCB Annual Meeting「Cell Bio 2024」　2024/12/16

  9. Molecular mechanisms of the ALS-associated KIF5A aggregation International-presentation

    千葉杏子

    EMBO・COB ワークショップ「Axonal Degeneration and Regeneration」　2024/10/09

  10. UNC-104 の自己阻害と２量体化

    第13回 分子モーター討論会　2024/09/30

  11. Molecular mechanisms of the ALS-associated KIF5A aggregation International-presentation

    千葉杏子

    ゴードンカンファレンス「Cytoskeletal Motors」　2024/07/08

  12. The prominent role of the FHA domain in the autoinhibition of KIF1A/UNC-104 International-presentation

    千葉杏子

    EMBO・EMBLシンポジウム「Microtubules: from atoms to complex systems」　2024/06/07

  13. The FHA domain is essential for the autoinhibition of KIF1A International-presentation

    Kyoko Chiba, Shinsuke Niwa

    2023 ASCB Annual Meeting 「Cell Bio 2023」　2023/12/05

  14. KIF1A and KIF1Bβ form a heterodimer International-presentation

    Kyoko CHIBA, Shinsuke NIWA

    第49回内藤コンファレンス「Frontiers of Microtubule and Its-Related Motors - Atomic Structures, Cellular Functions, Development and Diseases - 」　2023/07/05

  15. An ALS-associated KIF5A mutant forms oligomers and aggregates and induces neuronal toxicity

    Kyoko Chiba, Juri Nakano, Shinsuke Niwa

    2022 ASCB Annual Meeting「Cell Bio 2022」　2022/12/06

  16. In vitro reconstitution of a coordinated Kinesin-1 activation

    Kyoko Chiba, Shinsuke Niwa, Richard J. McKenney

    2022/06/09

  17. MAP7とNesprin-4の協調によるKinesin-1活性化

    千葉杏子

    第44回日本分子生物学会年会　2021/12/01

  18. Disease-associated mutations in human KIF1A overactivate motility of KIF1A and anterograde axonal transport of synaptic vesicle precursors

    2019/12/05

  19. Single molecule analysis of the Kinesin activation

    2019/11/29

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