Never In Mitosis Gene A Related Kinase 8 (NEK8)

NEK8 encodes a member of the serine/threionine protein kinase family related to NIMA (never in mitosis, gene A) of Aspergillus nidulans. The encoded protein may play a role in cell cycle progression from G2 to M phase. Mutations in the related mouse gene are associated with a disease phenotype that closely parallels the juvenile autosomal recessive form of polycystic kidney disease in humans.NEK8 contains an N-terminal kinase domain and a C-terminal RCC1 homology domain, and it shares highest similarity with NEK9. Semiquantitative PCR detected highest NEK8 expression in thyroid, adrenal gland, and skin. Lower expression was detected in spleen, colon, and uterus, but not in any other tissues examined. NEK8 was also overexpressed in several breast tumors compared with normal breast tissue.