The Nek6 and Nek7 protein kinases are required for robust mitotic spindle formation and cytokinesis.

ABSTRACT: Nek6 and Nek7 are members of the NIMA-related serine/threonine kinase family. Previous work showed that they contribute to mitotic progression downstream of another NIMA-related kinase, Nek9, although the roles of these different kinases remain to be defined. Here, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of the regulation and function of Nek6 and Nek7 in human cells. By generating specific antibodies, we show that both Nek6 and Nek7 are activated in mitosis and that interfering with their activity by either depletion or expression of reduced-activity mutants leads to mitotic arrest and apoptosis. Interestingly, while completely inactive mutants and small interfering RNA-mediated depletion delay cells at metaphase with fragile mitotic spindles, hypomorphic mutants or RNA interference treatm

SUBMITTER: O'Regan L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2704745 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature