Upregulation of NEK2 is associated with drug resistance in ovarian cancer.

NEK2 [NIMA (never in mitosis gene A)-related expressed kinase 2] is associated with various biological behaviors in the development of cancer, while research concerning its association with drug resistance is limited. The association of NEK2 with drug resistance in ovarian cancer has not yet been reported. In the present study, on the basis of microarray results from Oncomine and the GEO Profiles online database, we revealed that NEK2 mRNA expression in ovarian cancer tissues is upregulated. In addition, its expression in drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells was upregulated when compared with expression with their sensitive or parental counterparts. Finally, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis consisting of protein/gene-protein/gene interaction network, annotation of biological processes and microRNA-mRNA interaction analysis. We observed that NEK2 directly or indirectly interacts with a number of genes, proteins, microRNAs and biological processes associated with drug resistance in ovarian and other types of cancer. These results indicate that NEK2 contributes to drug resistance in ovarian cancer and it may be an important therapeutic target.