Kinase Subfamily NEK2
Kinase Classification: Group Other: Family NEK: Subfamily NEK2
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NEK2 is the primordial member of the NEK family.
Evolution
NEK2 is found throughout animals, fungi, and Dictyostelium, and may be present in other eukaryotic lineages. Named NEK2 in most lineages other than yeast, where it is called KIN3. The founding member of the NEK family is a NEK2 ortholog, NimA (Never In Mitosis A) from Aspergillus [1]
Domain Structure
All NEK2 have an N-terminal kinase doman and a C-terminal extension or variable length. The human C-terminal portion has two long helices according to an Alphafold model.
Functions
Adapted from UniProt human NEK2 entry: "NEK2 is involved in the control of centrosome separation and bipolar spindle formation in mitotic cells and chromatin condensation in meiotic cells. NEK2 regulates centrosome separation (essential for the formation of bipolar spindles and high-fidelity chromosome separation) by phosphorylating centrosomal proteins such as CROCC, CEP250 and NINL, resulting in their displacement from the centrosomes. It regulates kinetochore microtubule attachment stability in mitosis via phosphorylation of NDC80. Involved in regulation of mitotic checkpoint protein complex via phosphorylation of CDC20 and MAD2L1. NEK2 plays an active role in chromatin condensation during the first meiotic division through phosphorylation of HMGA2. Essential for localization of MAD2L1 to kinetochore and MAPK1 and NPM1 to the centrosome. Isoform 1 phosphorylates and activates NEK11 in G1/S-arrested cells."
