Identification of a novel Wee1 isoform

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2005 May 25;1729(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bbaexp.2005.02.006. Epub 2005 Mar 9.

Abstract

We have identified a novel isoform of Wee1 kinase (Wee1i), which uses Met215 of Wee1 as its initiation codon. RT-PCR, Western blot, and in situ hybridization verified wee1i expression in mammalian cells, rat brain, and rat thymus. Recombinant and partially purified Wee1i from rat thymus displayed kinase activity comparable to or higher than Wee1. The N-terminal 214 residues of Wee1 facilitate its ubiquitin-dependent degradation to trigger mitotic entry. Since Wee1i, lack of these 214 residues, it may evade this degradation and thus provide constitutive Wee1-like kinase activity to inhibit mitotic cell proliferation. Thus, Wee1i may play an important role in differentiation and in tumor suppression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics*
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Codon, Initiator / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor
  • Isoenzymes / genetics
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mitosis / genetics*
  • Mitosis / physiology
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Organ Specificity / genetics
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics*
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Thymus Gland / physiology

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Codon, Initiator
  • Isoenzymes
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Wee1 protein, mouse