NIMA (never in mitosis gene a)-related kinase 1 (NEK1)

NIMA (never in mitosis gene a)-related kinase 1 (NEK1) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a key role in various cellular processes including cell cycle progression, DNA damage response, chromatin condensation, and regulation of the cytoskeleton, particularly microtubule dynamics[1][2][3]. NEK1 is essential for the proper function of the centrosome, assembly of the mitotic spindle, and the activation of the ATR-dependent DNA repair pathway[2]. It is implicated in multiple human diseases; loss-of-function mutations are associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as genetic ciliopathies and certain cancers[2][3]. NEK1 has a critical role in the phosphorylation of proteins involved in microtubule stability and nuclear import, highlighting its pleiotropic cellular functions[3]. Structural studies show NEK1 contains an N-terminal kinase domain and a large C-terminal domain with coiled-coil motifs, which mediate diverse protein-protein interactions[2]. While NEK1 is considered a promising therapeutic target, especially in oncology and neurodegeneration, drugs specifically targeting NEK1 kinase activity remain under early investigation[2][3][4].

Other names

Serine/threonine-protein kinase Nek1KIAA1901NimA-related protein kinase 1NY-REN-55Never in mitosis A-related kinase 1Renal carcinoma antigen NY-REN-55ALS24OFD2SRPS2SRPS2ASRTD6

Inhibition of kinase activity; Chemosensitization through disruption of DNA repair in cancer cells[2]