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The NIMA-related kinase X-Nek2B is required for efficient assembly of the zygotic centrosome in Xenopus laevis

Fry, A. M. and Descombes, P. and Twomey, C. and Bacchieri, R. and Nigg, E. A.. (2000) The NIMA-related kinase X-Nek2B is required for efficient assembly of the zygotic centrosome in Xenopus laevis. Journal of cell science, Vol. 113, H. 11. pp. 1973-1984.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A5249423

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Abstract

Nek2 is a mammalian cell cycle-regulated serine/threonine kinase that belongs to the family of proteins related to NIMA of Aspergillus nidulans. Functional studies in diverse species have implicated NIMA-related kinases in G(2)/M progression, chromatin condensation and centrosome regulation. To directly address the requirements for vertebrate Nek2 kinases in these cell cycle processes, we have turned to the biochemically-tractable system provided by Xenopus laevis egg extracts. Following isolation of a Xenopus homologue of Nek2, called X-Nek2B, we found that X-Nek2B abundance and activity remained constant through the first mitotic cycle implying a fundamental difference in Nek2 regulation between embryonic and somatic cell cycles. Removal of X-Nek2B from extracts did not disturb either entry into mitosis or the accompanying condensation of chromosomes providing no support for a requirement for Nek2 in these processes at least in embryonic cells. In contrast, X-Nek2B localized to centrosomes of adult Xenopus cells and was rapidly recruited to the basal body of Xenopus sperm following incubation in egg extracts. Recruitment led to phosphorylation of the X-Nek2B kinase. Most importantly, depletion of X-Nek2B from extracts significantly delayed both the assembly of microtubule asters and the recruitment of gamma-tubulin to the basal body. Hence, these studies demonstrate that X-Nek2B is required for efficient assembly of a functional zygotic centrosome and highlight the possibility of multiple roles for vertebrate Nek2 kinases in the centrosome cycle.
Faculties and Departments:05 Faculty of Science > Departement Biozentrum
05 Faculty of Science > Departement Biozentrum > Former Organization Units Biozentrum > Cell Biology (Nigg)
UniBasel Contributors:Nigg, Erich A.
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:Company of Biologists
ISSN:0021-9533
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
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Last Modified:22 Mar 2012 14:19
Deposited On:22 Mar 2012 13:17

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