NEK7
Description
The NEK7 (NIMA related kinase 7) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
NEK7 is a human gene that encodes a protein kinase called Never in mitosis A-related kinase 7. This kinase plays a significant role in the progression of the cell cycle during mitosis, particularly in processes like microtubule nucleation, spindle formation, and cytokinesis. It also influences the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key component of the immune response.
NEK7, also known as Never in mitosis A-related kinase 7, is a protein kinase that plays a crucial role in mitotic cell cycle progression, microtubule nucleation at the centrosome, proper mitotic spindle formation, and cytokinesis. It phosphorylates EML4 at Ser-146, promoting its detachment from microtubules during mitosis, which is essential for accurate chromosome alignment. Additionally, it phosphorylates RPS6KB1. Interestingly, NEK7 acts as a key activator of the NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, independent of its kinase activity. It facilitates this process by unlocking NLRP3 after its relocation to the microtubule organizing center (MTOC), alleviating its autoinhibition and promoting the formation of the NLRP3:PYCARD complex, ultimately leading to CASP1 activation. NEK7 functions as a cellular switch, ensuring that the inflammasome response and cell division are mutually exclusive. Its interaction with NEK9 prevents interaction with NLRP3 and activation of the inflammasome during mitosis.
NEK7 is also known as -.
