2. Academic Validation
  3. NEK Family Kinases: Structure, Function, and Role in Disease

NEK Family Kinases: Structure, Function, and Role in Disease

  • Biomolecules. 2025 Oct 2;15(10):1406. doi: 10.3390/biom15101406.
Brandon M Baker 1,  Julia R Boehling 2,  Sarah Knopf 2,  Stephanie Held 1,  Margarite Matossian 2 3,  Jorge A Belgodere 2 4 5,  Van T Hoang 2 4,  Bridgette M Collins-Burow 2 4,  Elizabeth C Martin 2 4,  Sean B Lee 6,  Matthew E Burow 2 4,  David H Drewry 7 8,  Robert H Newman 1
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Biology, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA.
  • 2 Tulane Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Health Science Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
  • 3 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
  • 4 Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
  • 5 Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
  • 6 Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
  • 7 Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
  • 8 UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
PMID: 41154634 DOI: 10.3390/biom15101406
Abstract

The Never-in-Mitosis A-Related Kinase (NEK) family is an important, yet largely understudied, family of protein kinases involved in the regulation of a variety of critical cellular processes. Consequently, dysregulation of NEK function has been linked to the etiology and progression of several disorders, including Cancer, ciliopathies, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory disorders, and Other pervasive diseases. In this review, we have summarized recent findings to provide an overview of the NEK family and their diverse functions within various cellular contexts. In parallel, we have highlighted the emerging roles of NEK family members in human health, identifying potential therapeutic targets within the NEK family and exploring their potential for future clinical applications. Finally, we have addressed ongoing challenges and emerging research directions in this rapidly evolving field, aiming to pave the way for future discoveries and innovations.

Keywords

DNA damage response; Never-in-Mitosis A-related kinase (NEK); cancer; centrosome dynamics; ciliopathies; drug discovery; inflammation; neurodegenerative disorders; phosphorylation-dependent signaling; understudied protein kinase.

Figures