NEK3

This gene encodes a member of the NimA (never in mitosis A) family of serine/threonine protein kinases. The encoded protein differs from other NimA family members in that it is not cell cycle regulated and is found primarily in the cytoplasm. The kinase is activated by prolactin stimulation, leading to phosphorylation of VAV2 guanine nucleotide exchange factor, paxillin, and activation of the RAC1 GTPase. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Mar 2009]

Full Name

NIMA Related Kinase 3

Function

Protein kinase which influences neuronal morphogenesis and polarity through effects on microtubules. Regulates microtubule acetylation in neurons. Contributes to prolactin-mediated phosphorylation of PXN and VAV2. Implicated in prolactin-mediated cytoskeletal reorganization and motility of breast cancer cells through mechanisms involving RAC1 activation and phosphorylation of PXN and VAV2.

Biological Process

Cell division Source: UniProtKB-KW
Establishment of cell polarity Source: Ensembl
Mitotic cell cycle Source: UniProtKB
Neuron projection morphogenesis Source: Ensembl
Protein phosphorylation Source: UniProtKB
Regulation of tubulin deacetylation Source: Ensembl

Cellular Location

Cytoplasm
Other locations
axon

PTM

Phosphorylation at Thr-479 regulates its catalytic activity.