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Targeting NEK2 as a promising therapeutic approach for cancer treatment

Yanfen Fang1, Xiongwen Zhang1

  • 1a Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University , Shanghai , China.

Cell Cycle (Georgetown, Tex.)
|March 29, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Never in Mitosis (NIMA) Related Kinase 2 (NEK2) is crucial for cell division and often overexpressed in cancers. This review explores NEK2

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Never in Mitosis (NIMA) Related Kinase 2 (NEK2) is a key regulator of mitotic processes.
  • NEK2 is frequently overexpressed in various human cancers, correlating with malignant transformation.
  • Understanding NEK2's role in cancer signaling is crucial for therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the functional roles of NEK2 in cancer development.
  • To highlight significant NEK2 signaling pathways implicated in cancer.
  • To summarize recent advancements in NEK2 inhibitor development for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of NEK2's function in cell division.
  • Analysis of NEK2 expression patterns in human cancers.
  • Review of preclinical and clinical studies on NEK2 inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • NEK2 regulates critical mitotic events like centrosome duplication and spindle assembly.
  • Aberrant NEK2 expression is linked to tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and tumor progression.
  • Several NEK2 inhibitors are under investigation, showing promise in preclinical models.

Conclusions:

  • NEK2 is a significant driver of malignant transformation and a promising cancer therapeutic target.
  • Targeting NEK2 signaling pathways offers a potential strategy for novel cancer treatments.
  • Further research into NEK2 inhibitors is warranted to overcome cancer progression and drug resistance.
Keywords:
CancerNEK2centrosomeinhibitormitosisoncogenic

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