unc-116 encodes a kinesin-1 heavy chain ortholog; UNC-116 is predicted to function as an anterograde microtubule-based motor and its activity is required for transport and localization of synaptic vesicle components and thus for normal locomotion and larval development; in addition, unc-116 is required for normal early translocation of the meiotic spindle to the oocyte cortex, cortical positioning of the meiosis II spindle, and polar body formation; in neurons, UNC-116 retrograde displacements are regulated by PTL-1/Tau; UNC-116 physically interacts with the kinesin light chain KLC-2 to form a kinesin-1 complex in vivo; an UNC-116::GFP fusion protein is widely expressed and seen in neurons, muscle, and the pharynx; in neurons, UNC-116::GFP exhibits diffuse localization that is excluded from the nucleus and depends upon wild-type activity of KLC-2.
Enables plus-end-directed microtubule motor activity. Involved in several processes, including establishment of organelle localization; organelle organization; and positive regulation of cell projection organization. Located in several cellular components, including neuron projection; nuclear envelope; and synapse. Part of kinesin I complex. Expressed in several structures, including AVA; body ganglion; muscle cell; tail; and ventral nerve cord. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease 3; asbestos-related lung carcinoma; autoimmune disease (multiple); and complex cortical dysplasia with other brain malformations 2. Is an ortholog of human KIF5A (kinesin family member 5A); KIF5B (kinesin family member 5B); and KIF5C (kinesin family member 5C).