NEK9

This gene encodes a member of the NimA (never in mitosis A) family of serine/threonine protein kinases. The encoded protein is activated in mitosis and, in turn, activates other family members during mitosis. This protein also mediates cellular processes that are essential for interphase progression.

Full Name

NIMA (never in mitosis gene a)- related kinase 9

Function

Pleiotropic regulator of mitotic progression, participating in the control of spindle dynamics and chromosome separation. Phosphorylates different histones, myelin basic protein, beta-casein, and BICD2. Phosphorylates histone H3 on serine and threonine residues and beta-casein on serine residues. Important for G1/S transition and S phase progression. Phosphorylates NEK6 and NEK7 and stimulates their activity by releasing the autoinhibitory functions of Tyr-108 and Tyr-97 respectively.

Biological Process

Cell cycle Source: UniProtKB-KW
Cell division Source: UniProtKB-KW

Cellular Location

Nucleus
Cytoplasm

Involvement in disease

Lethal congenital contracture syndrome 10 (LCCS10):
A form of lethal congenital contracture syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by degeneration of anterior horn neurons, extreme skeletal muscle atrophy and congenital non-progressive joint contractures. The contractures can involve the upper or lower limbs and/or the vertebral column, leading to various degrees of flexion or extension limitations evident at birth.
Nevus comedonicus (NC):
A rare type of epidermal nevus characterized by closely arranged, dilated, plugged follicular ostia in a honeycomb pattern. The plugged ostia contain lamellated keratinaceous material, and their appearance resembles black dots. NC may be non-pyogenic with an acne-like appearance or associated with the formation of cysts, papules, pustules, and abscesses. Most commonly it affects the face and neck area and, by exception, other anatomical regions, including genital area, palms, and soles. NC lesions might present with various patterns of distribution: unilateral, bilateral, linear, interrupted, segmental, or blaschkoid.
Arthrogryposis, Perthes disease, and upward gaze palsy (APUG):
An autosomal recessive, syndromic form of arthrogryposis, a disease characterized by persistent joints flexure or contracture. APUG patients manifest an unusual combination of arthrogryposis, upward gaze palsy, and avascular necrosis of the hip (Perthes disease).

PTM

Autophosphorylated on serine and threonine residues (PubMed:27153399). When complexed with FACT, exhibits markedly elevated phosphorylation on Thr-210. During mitosis, not phosphorylated on Thr-210. Phosphorylated by CDK1 in vitro.