Nek6 suppresses the premature senescence of human cancer cells induced by camptothecin and doxorubicin treatment

► Nek6 inhibits premature senescence after CPT and DOX treatment in EJ and H1299 cells. ► DOX-induced G2/M arrest was inhibited by Nek6 overexpression. ► The reduction in cyclin B and cdc2 levels after DOX treatment were reduced by Nek6. ► The increase in intracellular ROS levels after DOX treatment was inhibited by Nek6. ► Nek6 may play a role in tumorigenesis by inhibiting premature senescence.