Essential for embryonic kidney development. Plays an important role in the compact adhesion between mesenchymal cells adjacent to the ureteric buds, possibly by interacting with MYH10. This could lead to the establishment of the basolateral integrity of the mesenchyme and the polarized expression of ITGA8, which maintains the GDNF expression required for further ureteric bud attraction. Although it seems to lack ATPase activity it is constitutively associated with microtubules. Interacts with MYH10. In newborn kidney, specifically expressed in the mesenchyme. In the developing kidney, only present in the uncommitted mesenchyme and absent from more differentiated structures including renal vesicles and comma-shaped bodies. First detected in the metanephric mesenchyme at 10.5 dpc. After 11.5 dpc, observed in mesenchymal cells surrounding the tips of ureteric buds in the metanephroi. At 11.5 dpc, also detected in limb buds and central nervous system. At 14.5 dpc, strongly expressed in the nephrogenic zone. Up-regulated by SALL1. Phosphorylation at Thr-1859 and Ser-1962 by CDKs, mainly CDK2 and CDK5, enhances the interaction with NEDD4, polyubiquitination, and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Phosphorylation occurs upon loss of interaction with microtubules. Polyubiquitinated by NEDD4, resulting in proteasomal degradation. Mutant mice die within 24 hours after birth. Most mice show bilateral kidney agenesis. The development of other organs seems normal. Ureteric bud attraction is impaired after 11.0 dpc. The ureteric buds are attracted close to the mesenchyme but fail to invade and branch into the mesenchyme and the kidney disappears by 14.5 dpc. The mesenchymal cells undergo apoptotic cell death at 12.5 dpc. ITGA8 is reduced at the ureteric bud/mesenchyme junction and does not exhibit basolateral localization. GDNF is not properly maintained in the mesenchyme at 11.5 dpc. Belongs to the TRAFAC class myosin-kinesin ATPase superfamily. Kinesin family. KIF26 subfamily. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus.