Nek7 kinase is enriched at the centrosome, and is required for proper spindle assembly and mitotic progression

Members of the NIMA-related kinases (NRK) family are recently emerging as central regulators of various aspects of the cell cycle. However, the cellular roles of the mammalian NRK, NEK7, remain obscure. We show here that the endogenous NEK7 protein is enriched at the centrosome in a microtubule-independent manner. Overexpression of wt or kinase-defective NEK7 resulted in cells of rounder appearance, and higher proportions of multinuclear and apoptotic cells. Down-regulation of NEK7 using a small interfering RNA approach resulted in a significant increase in mitotic cells presenting multipolar spindle phenotype. These results suggest a role for NEK7 in regulating proper spindle assembly and mitotic progression.