Which kinase phosphorylates the linker proteins between centrioles to allow centrosome separation?
Centriole pair remains linked throughout interphase by fibrous proteinaceous linker extending between proximal ends. Core constituents include large coiled-coil protein C-Nap1 anchored to centriole, rootletin forming 60 nm striated fibers, Cep68 and LRRC45 bridging. Dissolution in late G2 permits centrosome movement mediated by Eg5. Nek2A kinase, NIMA-related serine-threonine kinase, executes linker disassembly. Expression rises in S/G2, activity restrained in G1 by PP1 phosphatase binding and association with HEF1, MST2 and Hippo pathway components. Upon activation, Nek2 phosphorylates C-Nap1
Ref: Fry et al., Nek2 Kinase and Centrosome Linker Disassembly, Biochem J 2012; NCBI, Centrosome Separation Controls.