The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the kinesin-like protein family. The family members are microtubule-dependent molecular motors that transport organelles within cells and move chromosomes during cell division. The C-terminal half of this protein has been shown to bind DNA. Studies with the Xenopus homolog suggests its essential role in metaphase chromosome alignment and maintenance. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.