NEK6
Description
The NEK6 (NIMA related kinase 6) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 9.
Serine/threonine-protein kinase Nek6 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the NEK6 gene. The Aspergillus nidulans 'never in mitosis A' (NIMA) gene encodes a serine/threonine kinase that controls initiation of mitosis. NIMA-related kinases (NEKs) are a group of protein kinases that are homologous to NIMA. Evidence suggests that NEKs perform functions similar to those of NIMA. It is a protein kinase which plays an important role in mitotic cell cycle progression. Required for chromosome segregation at metaphase-anaphase transition, robust mitotic spindle formation and cytokinesis. Phosphorylates ATF4, CIR1, PTN, RAD26L, RBBP6, RPS7, RPS6KB1, TRIP4, STAT3 and histones H1 and H3. Phosphorylates KIF11 to promote mitotic spindle formation. Involved in G2/M phase cell cycle arrest induced by DNA damage. Inhibition of activity results in apoptosis. May contribute to tumorigenesis by suppressing p53/TP53-induced cancer cell senescence. NEK6 has been shown to interact with NEK9.
NEK6 is a protein kinase that plays a crucial role in the mitotic cell cycle progression. It is essential for chromosome segregation during the transition from metaphase to anaphase, promoting the formation of a robust mitotic spindle and ensuring proper cytokinesis. NEK6 directly phosphorylates various proteins, including ATF4, CIR1, PTN, RAD26L, RBBP6, RPS7, RPS6KB1, TRIP4, STAT3, and histones H1 and H3, influencing their function and activity. Specifically, NEK6 phosphorylates KIF11, a key component of the mitotic spindle, to promote its formation. Furthermore, NEK6 is involved in cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in response to DNA damage. Inhibition of NEK6 activity leads to apoptosis, suggesting its importance for cell survival. In addition, NEK6 has been implicated in tumorigenesis by suppressing p53-induced cancer cell senescence. Finally, NEK6 phosphorylates EML4 at Ser-144, causing its dissociation from microtubules during mitosis. This dissociation is crucial for efficient chromosome congression.
NEK6 is also known as SID6-1512.
