Research Progress on the Mechanism of KIF18B in Female Reproductive Function

doi:10.12280/gjszjk.20260032

Abstract

Abstract:

The maintenance and decline of female fertility is a complex physiological process. Kinesin family member 18B (KIF18B) maintains the genome stability by regulating spindle microtubule dynamics to ensure the accurate alignment and segregation of chromosomes. Given the critical role of KIF18B in cell division, its potential functions in the female reproductive system have also attracted attention. KIF18B may participate in oocyte maturation by affecting meiotic spindle assembly, and its association with signaling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (PI3K/Akt/mTORC1) suggests a potential role in primordial follicle activation and ovarian aging. In addition, the regulation of KIF18B on microtubule dynamics implies the involvement in endometrial structural remodeling. As an upstream regulatory node of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, KIF18B influences the establishment of endometrial receptivity. Dysfunction of KIF18B, including the increased rate of oocyte aneuploidy, the diminished ovarian reserve, and the reduced endometrial receptivity could further increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms and functions of KIF18B, elucidates its regulatory roles in key reproductive processes and the potential links between its dysfunction and poor pregnancy outcomes, and discusses its prospective value as a biomarker for assessing fertility.

Key words: Cell division, Aneuploidy, Embryo implantation, Pregnancy outcome, Kinesin family member 18B

WANG Wei, DAI Bai, SHA Ri-na, TUO Ya. Research Progress on the Mechanism of KIF18B in Female Reproductive Function[J]. Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning, 2026, 45(3): 230-235.

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