Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
Nek2, proteasome activity, over-expression, centrosome separation
College
Life Sciences
Department
Physiology and Developmental Biology
Abstract
Nek2 is a kinase that promotes centrosome separation during the cell cycle. Our lab has shown that Nek2 over-‐expression is the best predictor of a poor outcome in multiple myeloma therapy, but the mechanism is unknown. The standard therapy for treating multiple myeloma is use of Bortezomib, an inhibitor of the proteasome (which degrades proteins). Mitosis is often triggered by the degradation of proteins that are unnecessary for the cell to divide. The evidence that Nek2 over-‐expression can predict the outcome of multiple myeloma therapy leads us to the hypothesis that Nek2 affects proteasome activity in multiple myeloma cells. The question we addressed is whether Nek2 is involved in regulating proteasome activity and what the mechanism of this regulation is. Multiple myeloma is a deadly cancer affecting the plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is incredibly difficult to treat, and the therapies that are available rarely lead to a permanent cure, so we are looking into new and better ways to treat patients.
Recommended Citation
Flory, Jessica and Bearss, David
(2013)
"Inhibition of Nek2 and Proteasome Activity,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1449.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1449