NEK7: A Potential Drug Target Or Biomarker for Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Target Name: NEK7

NCBI ID: G140609

NEK7: A Potential Drug Target Or Biomarker for Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases

NEK7, or Never in Mitosis A-related Kinase 7, is a protein that is expressed in a variety of tissues, including muscle, heart, and brain. It is a non-coding RNA-protein kinase that is involved in a variety of cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Recent studies have suggested that NEK7 may have potential as a drug target or biomarker for a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. This is because NEK7 has been shown to play a role in the regulation of cellular processes that are often disrupted in these diseases, such as the rapid cell division that occurs in cancer cells.

One of the key mechanisms by which NEK7 is involved in cancer is its role in the regulation of the G1/S checkpoint, a critical checkpoint that ensures that cells are able to properly divide and grow. In cancer cells, the G1/S checkpoint is often disrupted, leading to uncontrolled cell division and the formation of tumors. NEK7 has been shown to play a role in regulating the G1/S checkpoint, by inhibiting the activity of the protein Mammalian Extrinsic Mediator (MEM), which is involved in the regulation of cell division.

Another potential mechanism by which NEK7 may be involved in cancer is its role in the regulation of cell adhesion. Cancer cells often have the ability to break away from their surrounding tissues and form tumors, a process that is often facilitated by the ability of cancer cells to adhere to and survive in their surroundings. NEK7 has been shown to play a role in regulating cell adhesion, by interacting with the protein E-cadherin, which is involved in the regulation of cell-cell adhesion.

In addition to its role in cancer, NEK7 has also been suggested as a potential biomarker for a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. These conditions are characterized by the progressive loss of brain cells, and are often associated with the development of neurofibrillary tangles and other hallmark pathological markers. NEK7 has been shown to play a role in the regulation of neurodegenerate diseases, by interacting with the protein Calbindin, which is involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter release and the maintenance of normal brain function.

Finally, NEK7 has also been suggested as a potential drug target for a variety of autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions are characterized by the immune system attacking the body's own tissues, leading to inflammation and the development of joint damage. NEK7 has been shown to play a role in the regulation of immune responses, by interacting with the protein PD-L1, which is involved in the regulation of immune tolerance.

In conclusion, NEK7 is a protein that has been shown to play a role in a variety of cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Recent studies have suggested that NEK7 may have potential as a drug target or biomarker for a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of NEK7 in these diseases, and to develop effective treatments.

Protein Name: NIMA Related Kinase 7

Functions: Protein kinase which plays an important role in mitotic cell cycle progression (PubMed:17101132, PubMed:31409757, PubMed:19941817). Required for microtubule nucleation activity of the centrosome, robust mitotic spindle formation and cytokinesis (PubMed:17586473, PubMed:19414596, PubMed:31409757, PubMed:19941817, PubMed:26522158). Phosphorylates EML4 at 'Ser-146', promoting its dissociation from microtubules during mitosis which is required for efficient chromosome congression (PubMed:31409757). Phosphorylates RPS6KB1 (By similarity). Acts as an essential activator of the NLRP3 inflammasome assembly independently of its kinase activity (PubMed:26642356, PubMed:36442502). Acts by unlocking NLRP3 following NLRP3 tranlocation into the microtubule organizing center (MTOC), relieving NLRP3 autoinhibition and promoting formation of the NLRP3:PYCARD complex, and activation of CASP1 (PubMed:26642356, PubMed:31189953, PubMed:36442502). Serves as a cellular switch that enforces mutual exclusivity of the inflammasome response and cell division: interaction with NEK9 prevents interaction with NLRP3 and activation of the inflammasome during mitosis (PubMed:26642356, PubMed:31189953)

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