NEK8: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Cancer (G284086)

Target Name: NEK8

NCBI ID: G284086

NEK8

NEK8: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Cancer

Introduction

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with over 80% of all deaths due to cancer. The development and progression of cancer are highly influenced by various factors, including genetic mutations, signaling pathways, and environmental factors. The Never in Mitosis (NEM ) gene family is a group of non-coding RNA proteins that have been identified as potential drug targets and biomarkers for cancer. NEM proteins play a crucial role in regulating cell cycle progression and have been implicated in the development and progression of various types of cancer . In this article, we will discuss the role of NEK8, a member of the NEM gene family, as a potential drug target and biomarker for cancer.

The NEM gene family consists of several non-coding RNA proteins that share a conserved catalytic core and a unique N-terminus. These proteins play a crucial role in regulating cell cycle progression by preventing the metaphase G1-G2 checkpoint, which is a critical step in the cell cycle where the cell prepares for cell division. During G1, the cell prepares for DNA replication, and the NEM proteins work to ensure that the necessary changes occur in the cell to support this process. Once the cell reaches G2, the NEM proteins work to prevent the metaphase checkpoint, which allows the cell to proceed with cell division.

In addition to its role in regulating cell cycle progression, NEK8 has also been shown to play a role in the development and progression of various types of cancer. For example, NEK8 has been shown to be highly expressed in various types of cancer, including breast , ovarian, and colorectal cancer. Additionally, studies have shown that NEK8 is involved in the regulation of cell survival and that its expression levels are associated with cancer progression.

As a potential drug target, NEK8 can be targeted with small molecules or antibodies that interfere with its function. This approach has been shown to be effective in preclinical studies for cancer treatment. For example, a small molecule called U012 has been shown to inhibit the activity of NEK8 and prevent the formation of mitotic spindles, a critical step in the cell cycle that allows the cell to proceed with cell division. Additionally, antibodies against NEK8 have been shown to be effective in preclinical studies, with one study showing that they were able to reduce the growth of cancer cells in a xenograft model.

As a potential biomarker, NEK8 can be used to diagnose and monitor the progression of various types of cancer. For example, studies have shown that the expression of NEK8 is significantly elevated in the serum and plasma of cancer patients, and that its levels are associated with cancer outcomes, such as tumor size and the overall treatment response. Additionally, the levels of NEK8 have been shown to be elevated in various types of cancer tissues, including primary tumors, metastatic tumors, and human xenografts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NEK8, a member of the NEM gene family, has been shown to play a crucial role in regulating cell cycle progression and has been implicated in the development and progression of various types of cancer. As a potential drug target and biomarker, NEK8 can be targeted with small molecules or antibodies that interfere with its function. Further studies are needed to fully understand the role of NEK8 in cancer and to develop effective treatments for this disease.

Protein Name: NIMA Related Kinase 8

Functions: Required for renal tubular integrity. May regulate local cytoskeletal structure in kidney tubule epithelial cells. May regulate ciliary biogenesis through targeting of proteins to the cilia (By similarity). Plays a role in organogenesis and is involved in the regulation of the Hippo signaling pathway

The "NEK8 Target / Biomarker Review Report" is a customizable review of hundreds up to thousends of related scientific research literature by AI technology, covering specific information about NEK8 comprehensively, including but not limited to:
•   general information;
•   protein structure and compound binding;
•   protein biological mechanisms;
•   its importance;
•   the target screening and validation;
•   expression level;
•   disease relevance;
•   drug resistance;
•   related combination drugs;
•   pharmacochemistry experiments;
•   related patent analysis;
•   advantages and risks of development, etc.
The report is helpful for project application, drug molecule design, research progress updates, publication of research papers, patent applications, etc. If you are interested to get a full version of this report, please feel free to contact us at BD@silexon.ai

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