Cell cycle-dependent expression of Nek2, a novel human protein kinase related to the NIMA mitotic regulator of Aspergillus nidulans

摘要: The serine/threonine protein kinase NIMA of Aspergillus nidulans is required for entry into mitosis and may function in parallel to the universal mitotic inducer p34cdc2. Here, we report isolation complementary DNAs encoding Nek2 Nek3, two novel human kinases structurally related NIMA. Sequence comparisons revealed several unique features which define a family NIMA-related kinases. was chosen further study since it represents closest known mammalian relative Chromosomal mapping nek2 gene identified independent loci on chromosomes 1 14, Northern blot analyses expression distinct mRNAs approximately 2.4 4.7 kilobases all cell lines examined. In HeLa cells synchronized by both drug arrest elutriation, strikingly cycle-dependent pattern could be observed; almost undetectable during G1 but accumulated progressively throughout S, reaching maximal levels late G2. These observations demonstrate that resembles NIMA, not only its catalytic domain, also expression. Hence, at onset mitosis.