NEK4
NEK4 is a cilia-associated NIMA-related kinase that also participates in the DNA damage response. It localizes to basal bodies and cilia during G0/G1 and translocates to chromatin following DNA damage, where it contributes to checkpoint signaling together with ATR/ATM pathway components. NEK4 is required for normal ciliogenesis and has been linked to maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and to spermatogenesis, with expression prominent in testis and ciliated tissues. Its extended C-terminal tail mediates interactions with DNA repair factors. Compared with NEK2, NEK4 combines ciliary and genome-surveillance roles. Recombinant NEK4 supports studies of ciliogenesis, DDR signaling and kinase-substrate relationships.
