Never In Mitosis Gene A Related Kinase 10 (NEK10)

Nek10, a novel member of the Nek family, and demonstrate a role for Nek10 in the cellular UV response. Nek10 was required for the activation of ERK1/2 signaling upon UV irradiation, but not in response to mitogens, such as epidermal growth factor stimulation.
Nek10 physically associated with Raf-1 and MEK1 in a Raf-1-dependent manner and the formation of this complex was necessary for Nek10-mediated MEK1 activation. Nek10 did not affect the kinase activity of Raf-1 but instead promoted autophosphorylation-dependent activation of MEK1. The appropriate maintenance of the G2/M checkpoint following UV irradiation required Nek10 expression and ERK1/2 activation.