WEE2
Description
The WEE2 (WEE2 oocyte meiosis inhibiting kinase) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 7.
WEE2, also known as Wee1B kinase, is a protein tyrosine kinase that plays a crucial role in regulating meiosis in oocytes. It acts by phosphorylating and inhibiting the CDK1/CDC2 protein, a key regulator of cell cycle progression. WEE2 ensures the proper timing of meiotic events, including the arrest of oocytes at prophase I and the exit from metaphase II during egg activation. During the germinal vesicle (GV) stage, WEE2 maintains meiotic arrest by phosphorylating CDK1 at Tyr-15, inhibiting its activity and preventing premature meiotic entry. After fertilization, WEE2 again phosphorylates CDK1 at Tyr-15, facilitating the exit from metaphase II, promoting pronuclear formation and ensuring proper development of the fertilized egg.
WEE2 is also known as OOMD5, OZEMA5, WEE1B.