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 (By similarity). Interacts with MYH10. Phosphorylation at Thr-1855 and Ser-1958 by CDKs, mainly CDK2 and CDK5, enhances the interaction with NEDD4, polyubiquitination, and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Phosphorylation occurs upon loss of interaction with microtubules (By similarity). Polyubiquitinated by NEDD4, resulting in proteasomal degradation. Belongs to the TRAFAC class myosin-kinesin ATPase superfamily. Kinesin family. KIF26 subfamily. Probable cloning artifact. Truncated N-terminus. Aberrant splicing. Intron retention.