CIT/CRIK

Citron kinase (CIT), often abbreviated CRIK, is the largest protein in the DMPK group and a central regulator of cytokinesis. Activated by RHOA rather than CDC42, it localises to the cleavage furrow and midbody, where it phosphorylates KIF14, KIF20A and components of the centralspindlin complex to coordinate the timing of abscission. Alternative splicing yields a long kinase-bearing CIT-K isoform enriched in brain and testis and a shorter CIT-N variant; loss of CIT-K causes primary microcephaly with simplified gyral pattern in humans, underscoring its role in neural progenitor division. Recombinant CIT is applied to cytokinesis reconstitution, midbody signalling studies and screening against this RHOA effector.