Protein kinase which plays an important role in mitotic cell cycle progression. Required for microtubule nucleation activity of the centrosome, robust mitotic spindle formation and cytokinesis (PubMed:20473324). Phosphorylates RPS6KB1 (By similarity). Phosphorylates EML4 at 'Ser-146', promoting its dissociation from microtubules during mitosis which is required for efficient chromosome congression (By similarity). Essential protein for NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation that acts downstream stimuli such as K(+) efflux. Dispensable for the induction of core inflammasome components, but necessary for subsequent formation of the NLRP3:PYCARD complex, and activation of CASP1. Serves as a cellular switch that enforces mutual exclusivity of the inflammasome response and cell division. Exerts its effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome independently of its kinase activity (PubMed:26814970, PubMed:26642356). ATP + L-seryl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[protein] ATP + L-threonyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[protein] Binding to NEK9 stimulates its activity by releasing the autoinhibitory function of Tyr-97. Monomer (By similarity). Interacts with NEK9 (By similarity). Interacts with ANKS3; this interaction alters the subcellular distribution of NEK7 by preventing its nuclear translocation (PubMed:26188091). Interacts (via N-terminus) with NLRP3 (via LRR repeat domain); the interaction is required for the formation of the complex NLRP3:PYCARD, oligomerization of PYCARD and activation of CASP1 (PubMed:26814970, PubMed:26642356). Present at centrosome throughout the cell cycle (By similarity). Also detected at spindle midzone of the anaphase cells and eventually concentrates at the midbody (By similarity). Interaction with ANKS3 prevents its translocation to the nucleus (PubMed:26188091). Displays an autoinhibited conformation: Tyr-97 side chain points into the active site, interacts with the activation loop, and blocks the alphaC helix. The autoinhibitory conformation is released upon binding with NEK9. The NTE (N-terminal extension) motif is a structural component of the catalytic domain and thus contributes to activity. Phosphorylation at Ser-195 required for its activation. Mutant mice are viable but are born at sub-Mendelian ratios. They further suffer from severe growth retardation, infertility, abnormal gait and slight paralysis of the limbs. In an experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) model, mutant mice exhibited reduced disease severity relative to wild-type mice, as well as reduced recruitment of lymphocytes, monocytes/microglia, and NK cells to the spinal cord. Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. NEK Ser/Thr protein kinase family. NIMA subfamily.