NEK2

null NEK2 is the best-characterized centrosomal NIMA-related kinase, with two isoforms NEK2A and NEK2B differing in C-terminal targeting. Active from late G2 through mitosis, NEK2 phosphorylates centrosomal proteins such as rootletin, C-Nap1 and nucleophosmin to drive centrosome disjunction, and it also contributes to ciliary disassembly and to mitotic checkpoint signaling. NEK2 activity is controlled by autophosphorylation and by interaction with PP1. Dysregulation of NEK2 is observed in cancers and retinal degeneration models, and its substrate network makes it an attractive target for antimitotic drug development. Recombinant NEK2 is widely used for centrosome-biology and inhibitor studies.