NIMA-related kinase 4 (NEK4)

NIMA-related kinase 4 (NEK4) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that belongs to the NIMA-related kinase family, playing a central role in the regulation of cell cycle progression, DNA damage response, mRNA splicing, and maintenance of cilium integrity[1][3][4]. NEK4 activity is required for normal entry into replicative senescence and cell cycle arrest in response to double-stranded DNA damage[3]. Genetic and molecular studies implicate NEK4 in multiple malignancies, including triple-negative breast cancer, where its depletion impacts cell proliferation—sometimes reducing and sometimes increasing proliferation depending on the cellular context[1][4]. NEK4 is also associated with ciliopathies and rare congenital disorders. The NEK family is under investigation as a source of new therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers in cancer and other diseases, though specific pharmacological inhibitors for NEK4 itself remain in early research phases[4].

Other names

Serine/threonine-protein kinase Nek4STK2NimA-related protein kinase 4NRK2pp12301Never in mitosis A-related kinase 4Serine/threonine-protein kinase 2Serine/threonine-protein kinase NRK2serine/threonine protein kinase-2

Inhibition of kinase activity for suppression of cell proliferation and alteration of cell cycle progression