NEK1 or NIMA (never in mitosis gene a)-related kinase 1 is a serine/threonine kinase involved in cell cycle regulation and is found in a centrosomal complex with FEZ1, a neuronal protein that plays a role in axonal development. NEK1 is involved early in the DNA damage response pathway. NEK1 cycles through the nucleus via its nuclear localization and export signals. NEK1 protein participates in different signaling pathways to regulate diverse cellular processes and plays an important role in the kidney where it has opened a new avenue for studying cystogenesis and identifying possible modes of therapy.
