Wee1

WEE1 is a critical serine/threonine kinase involved in cell cycle regulation, specifically the G2/M checkpoint, where it inhibits the entry into mitosis by phosphorylating the cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). This regulation ensures that cells do not commence mitosis until DNA damage is repaired, thus maintaining genomic integrity. Overexpression of WEE1 is often observed in various cancers, where it helps malignant cells avoid apoptosis despite possessing DNA abnormalities. Due to its role in controlling cell cycle progression and its tumor-specific overexpression, WEE1 is a promising target for cancer therapy. Inhibitors of WEE1 are being explored to selectively enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents, thus potentiating the effects of chemotherapy.