Nek

Nek inhibitors target NIMA-related kinases, chiefly Nek2, a centrosomal kinase active in mitosis. NIMA-related kinases (Nek) are named after the never in mitosis A (NIMA) kinase of the fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Nek2 regulates centrosome separation, and in 1998 centrosomal Nek2-associated protein 1 (C-Nap1) was identified as a candidate substrate. Nek2 also binds the kinetochore protein Hec1 (highly expressed in cancer 1). In 2008, INH1 was reported to bind Hec1 directly, disrupt the Hec1/Nek2 interaction and suppress tumor cell growth. INH154 is a later compound from the same Hec1-targeting series. JH295, MBM-55 and NBI-961 are listed as Nek2 kinase inhibitors.