Abstract
Early studies in lower Eukaryotes have defined a role for the members of the NimA related kinase (Nek) family of protein kinases in cell cycle control. Expansion of the Nek family throughout evolution has been accompanied by their broader involvement in checkpoint regulation and cilia biology. Moreover, mutations of Nek family members have been identified as drivers behind the development of ciliopathies and cancer. Recent advances in studying the physiological roles of Nek family members utilizing mouse genetics and RNAi-mediated knockdown are revealing intricate associations of Nek family members with fundamental biological processes. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive account of our understanding of Nek kinase biology and their involvement in cell cycle, checkpoint control and cancer.
Highlights
Deregulation of the cell cycle is a hallmark of neoplastic transformation and plays a central role in the initiation and progression of cancer
The Never in mitosis A (NimA) related kinase (Nek) family protein kinases begun to emerge as important players in regulation of the eukaryotic cell cycle both during normal cell cycle progression and in response to genotoxic stress
This review aims to provide a systematic account of our understanding of Nek kinase biology and their involvement in disease drawn from biochemical, cell biology, animal model and genetic studies
Summary
Deregulation of the cell cycle is a hallmark of neoplastic transformation and plays a central role in the initiation and progression of cancer. The fidelity of the cell cycle is tightly maintained by numerous regulatory proteins, most notably kinases. Cyclin dependent kinases (CDK), in complex with their partner cyclins, are considered the master regulators of the cell cycle. Members of the Aurora and Polo families are critical components of the cell cycle machinery. The NimA related kinase (Nek) family protein kinases begun to emerge as important players in regulation of the eukaryotic cell cycle both during normal cell cycle progression and in response to genotoxic stress. This review aims to provide a systematic account of our understanding of Nek kinase biology and their involvement in disease drawn from biochemical, cell biology, animal model and genetic studies
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