Overview:

NEK 2 is closely related in its catalytic domain to the serine/threonine protein kinase NIMA of Aspergillus nidulans that is required for entry into mitosis and may function in parallel to the universal mitotic inducer p34cdc2. Like NIMA, the NEK2 protein is almost undetectable during G1 but accumulated progressively throughout S, reaching maximal levels in late G2 (1). NEK2 is shown to be expressed most abundantly in the testis of the adult tissues examined being localized to the nucleus (2).

References:

1. Schultz, SJ. et al: A. Cell cycle-dependent expression of Nek2, a novel human protein kinase related to the NIMA mitotic regulator of Aspergillus nidulans. Cell Growth Differ. 1994 Jun;5(6):625-35.

2. Fry, AM. et al: Substrate specificity and cell cycle regulation of the Nek2 protein kinase, a potential human homolog of the mitotic regulator NIMA of Aspergillus nidulans. J Biol Chem. 1995 May 26; 270(21):12899-905.