NEK8 or NIMA-related kinase 8 is a member of the serine/threionine protein kinase family related to NIMA (never in mitosis, gene A) of Aspergillus nidulans which may play a role in cell cycle progression from G2 to M phase. NEK8 is part of a complex of ciliary proteins required for renal and cardiovascular development. NEK8 interacts with polycystin signal transduction pathways and may control the targeting of these ciliary proteins.