NEK1

The protein encoded by this gene is a serine/threonine kinase involved in cell cycle regulation. The encoded protein is found in a centrosomal complex with FEZ1, a neuronal protein that plays a role in axonal development. Defects in this gene are a cause of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Several transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.

Full Name

NIMA Related Kinase 1

Function

Phosphorylates serines and threonines, but also appears to possess tyrosine kinase activity (PubMed:20230784).

Involved in DNA damage checkpoint control and for proper DNA damage repair (PubMed:20230784).

In response to injury that includes DNA damage, NEK1 phosphorylates VDAC1 to limit mitochondrial cell death (PubMed:20230784).

May be implicated in the control of meiosis (By similarity).

Involved in cilium assembly (PubMed:21211617).

Biological Process

Cell cycle Source: UniProtKB-KW
Cell division Source: UniProtKB-KW
Cilium assembly Source: UniProtKB
Protein phosphorylation Source: CACAO

Cellular Location

Nucleus
Cytoskeleton
centrosome
Cytoplasm
Note: Associated with the pericentriolar material (PubMed:21211617). Localizes to centrosome during interphase and mitosis (By similarity). Translocated from cytoplasm to discrete nuclear foci at sites of DNA damage (PubMed:15604234).

Involvement in disease

Short-rib thoracic dysplasia 6 with or without polydactyly (SRTD6):
A form of short-rib thoracic dysplasia, a group of autosomal recessive ciliopathies that are characterized by a constricted thoracic cage, short ribs, shortened tubular bones, and a 'trident' appearance of the acetabular roof. Polydactyly is variably present. Non-skeletal involvement can include cleft lip/palate as well as anomalies of major organs such as the brain, eye, heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas, intestines, and genitalia. Some forms of the disease are lethal in the neonatal period due to respiratory insufficiency secondary to a severely restricted thoracic cage, whereas others are compatible with life. Disease spectrum encompasses Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (Jeune syndrome), Mainzer-Saldino syndrome, and short rib-polydactyly syndrome.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 24 (ALS24):
A form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper motor neurons in the brain and lower motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord, resulting in fatal paralysis. Sensory abnormalities are absent. The pathologic hallmarks of the disease include pallor of the corticospinal tract due to loss of motor neurons, presence of ubiquitin-positive inclusions within surviving motor neurons, and deposition of pathologic aggregates. The etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is likely to be multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental factors. The disease is inherited in 5-10% of the cases.