Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Characterization at the Molecular Level using Robust Biochemical Approaches of a New Kinase Protein
11:23

Characterization at the Molecular Level using Robust Biochemical Approaches of a New Kinase Protein

Published on: June 30, 2019

Curriculum Vitae of WEE2 Kinase in Homeostasis and Diseases: A Systematic Review

Ran Wang1,2,3, Jing Yu1,2,3, Yan-Jun Liu1,2,3

  • 1State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.

Cells
|July 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

WEE2 kinase is crucial for female reproduction, maintaining oocyte meiotic arrest. Mutations in WEE2 cause infertility by disrupting oocyte maturation and fertilization.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • WEE2 is an oocyte-specific kinase regulating meiosis.
  • It maintains germinal vesicle (GV) arrest and prevents premature meiotic resumption by inhibiting maturation-promoting factor (MPF) activity via cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) phosphorylation.
  • WEE2 also controls exit from metaphase II (MII), ensuring proper meiotic progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review WEE2's structure, functions, and mutations.
  • To explore the association between WEE2 gene mutations and total fertilization failure/primary infertility.
  • To highlight advances in WEE2-targeted inhibitors and their potential in reproductive disorder management.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review.
  • Analysis of WEE2 protein structure and kinase functions.
  • Review of genetic mutation data and clinical associations with infertility.

Main Results:

  • WEE2 mutations impair kinase activity, disrupting meiotic control, oocyte maturation, and embryonic development.
  • These mutations are a significant genetic cause of total fertilization failure and primary infertility.
  • Research is advancing on WEE2-targeted inhibitors for potential therapeutic applications.

Conclusions:

  • The functional integrity of WEE2 is vital for female fertility.
  • WEE2 mutations are directly linked to reproductive failure.
  • WEE2 presents a potential target for diagnosing and managing female infertility.
Keywords:
WEE2WEE2 mutationscell cycle regulationinhibitorsreproductive diseases

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