Involved in the microtubule organization in interphase cells. Overexpression induces the fragmentation of the Golgi, and causes lysosomes to disperse toward the cell periphery; it also interferes with mitotic spindle assembly. Involved in vesicle transport in photoreceptor cells (By similarity). May play a role in ovarian carcinogenesis.
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Cytoskeleton, Microtubule organizing center, Centrosome, Cytoplasm
In interphase cells, NINL is transported to the centrosomes by the dynein-dynactin motor complex . During centrosome maturation, PLK1 directly phosphorylates NINL resulting in its release into the cytoplasm .
Expressed in KYSE-150 esophageal carcinoma, HeLa cervical carcinoma and U2OS osteosarcoma cells. Expression is regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner and peaks during G2/M phase (at protein level). Expressed in fetal heart, skeletal muscle, liver, lung and cochlea, and in adult brain, testis, kidney and retina.