Human Wee1 ELISA Kit

Supplementary info

Activity summary

Wee1 also known as Wee1-like protein kinase or WEE1 serves as an important regulator of cell cycle progression. Wee1 is a protein kinase with a molecular mass of approximately 96 kDa involved in the regulation of the cell cycle by inhibiting the entry into mitosis through phosphorylation of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). Expression of Wee1 occurs throughout various tissues but it is especially important in those that require tight control over cell division like the brain and reproductive organs. By suppressing premature mitosis Wee1 ensures cells have adequate time for DNA repair and completion of critical processes before cell division.

Biological function summary

The function of Wee1 extends to its role in maintaining genomic stability. Wee1 operates as part of a regulatory complex and its inhibition results in defective cell cycle arrest potentially leading to DNA damage. The kinase acts to prevent transitions from the G2 to M phase of the cell cycle ensuring cells repair damaged DNA before division. In the context of DNA replication stress Wee1 cooperates with other regulators such as Chk1 to mediate cell cycle arrest therefore safeguarding genomic integrity.

Pathways

The role of Wee1 manifests significantly within the DNA damage checkpoint pathway and the cell cycle control pathway. In the DNA damage checkpoint pathway Wee1 collaborates with other cell cycle regulators such as ATR and Chk1 to control the cell cycle in response to DNA damages. Wee1's influence on the cell cycle pathway also intersects with CDK1 and Cyclin B where Wee1 modulates the activity of these proteins to control cell cycle transitions. This regulatory action allows cells to coordinate DNA repair and replication with cell division events.

Associated diseases and disorders

Wee1's regulatory functions relate closely to cancer and neurological disorders. Overexpression or mutation of Wee1 is associated with various cancers including gliomas and breast cancer where it influences cell proliferation by controlling the activity of CDK1. Wee1's relationship with cancer extends to its interactions with p53 and Chk1 proteins both of which are critical in cancer biology. Additionally anomalies in Wee1 expression or function also associate with certain neurological disorders where it may alter cell cycle dynamics and influence neural cell fate under stress conditions.