Ninein is a centrosomal protein required in positioning and anchoring the microtubule minus-end in epithelial cells []. In human apical progenitor cells, it plays an essential role in cell cycle-dependent nuclear movement (interkinetic nuclear migration) by connecting microtubules to the centrosome [].Mutations in ninein gene causes Seckel syndrome 7 (SCKL7), which is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by proportionate dwarfism of prenatal onset associated with low birth weight, growth retardation, severe microcephaly with a bird-headed like appearance, and mental retardation [].
A PB1 domain is present in NIN like proteins (NLP), key transcription factors in a process of establishment of symbiosis between legumes and nitrogen fixing bacteria (Rhizobium) []and nitrate signalling in other plants []. NLPs carry a PB1 domain at their C terminus [].
Aurora kinase A and ninein-interacting protein (also known as AIBp or AUNIP) is a family of eukaryotic proteins necessary for the adequate functioning of Aurora-A, a protein involved in chromosome alignment, centrosome maturation, mitotic spindle assembly and aspects oftumourigenesis. AIBp is likely to act as a regulator of Aurora-A activity []. It interacts with with AURKA via its C terminus and interacts with NIN via its N terminus [].
