NEK2
NEK2 (NIMA related kinase 2, also NLK1, NEK2A, RP67 and PPP1R111) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase involved in mitotic regulation. It localises to the centrosome and belongs to the NIMA subfamily of NEK protein kinases. Browse Assay Genie's current range of NEK2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
NEK2 is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that is involved in mitotic regulation. As a protein kinase it carries the EC number 2.7.11.1. The protein is localised to the centrosome, where it is undetectable during G1 phase, accumulates progressively throughout S phase and reaches maximal levels in late G2 phase. This cell-cycle-dependent profile is a defining feature of the NEK2 protein and a common point of reference when studying centrosome biology.
UniProt records NEK2 in several compartments: the nucleus, including the nucleolus, and the cytoplasm, where it is found at the centrosome and spindle pole. It is also annotated at the centromere and kinetochore. The NEK2 gene undergoes alternative splicing, giving transcript variants that encode isoforms with distinct C-termini. The annotation distinguishes isoform 1 from a shorter form: the latter is absent from the nucleolus and, unlike isoform 1, does not phosphorylate and activate NEK11 in G1/S-arrested cells.
NEK2 belongs to the protein kinase superfamily, in the NEK Ser/Thr protein kinase family and NIMA subfamily. Its previous name, NIMA (never in mitosis gene a)-related kinase 2, reflects this relationship. HGNC places the gene in the NIMA related kinase family and in the group of protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunits, which explains the alias PPP1R111. A mouse ortholog, Nek2, is recognised.
NEK2 is involved in mitotic regulation, and its levels rise from S phase to a maximum in late G2, making it a useful cell-cycle-linked kinase.
The kinase localises to the centrosome, and is also annotated at the spindle pole, making it relevant to studies of centrosome-associated processes.
UniProt places NEK2 at the centromere and kinetochore, linking it to chromosome-associated compartments during division.
Isoform 1 phosphorylates and activates NEK11 in G1/S-arrested cells, connecting NEK2 to wider NEK family signalling.
NEK2 is a serine/threonine-protein kinase involved in mitotic regulation. It localises to the centrosome and is undetectable in G1 phase, accumulating through S phase to peak in late G2. Isoform 1 also phosphorylates and activates NEK11 in G1/S-arrested cells.
NEK2 is also known as NLK1, NEK2A, RP67 and PPP1R111, and formerly as NIMA (never in mitosis gene a)-related kinase 2. Alternative splicing yields isoforms with distinct C-termini; one lacks nucleolar localisation and does not activate NEK11 in G1/S-arrested cells.
NEK2 belongs to the protein kinase superfamily, NEK Ser/Thr protein kinase family, NIMA subfamily. A mouse ortholog, Nek2, exists; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity. Related family members include NEK5, NEK6, NEK7, NEK9 and NEK11.
Other NIMA related kinase family members that sit alongside NEK2 in mitotic and cell-cycle research.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P51955; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.