In Silico Analysis of Kinase Expression Identifies WEE1 as a Gatekeeper against Mitotic Catastrophe in Glioblastoma

SummaryKinases execute pivotal cellular functions and are therefore widely investigated as potential targets in anticancer treatment. Here we analyze the kinase gene expression profiles of various tumor types and reveal the wee1 kinase to be overexpressed in glioblastomas. We demonstrate that WEE1 is a major regulator of the G2 checkpoint in glioblastoma cells. Inhibition of WEE1 by siRNA or small molecular compound in cells exposed to DNA damaging agents results in abrogation of the G2 arrest, premature termination of DNA repair, and cell death. Importantly, we show that the small-molecule inhibitor of WEE1 sensitizes glioblastoma to ionizing radiation in vivo. Our results suggest that inhibition of WEE1 kinase holds potential as a therapeutic approach in treatment of glioblastoma.

► In silico analysis reveals WEE1 kinase to be overexpressed in glioblastomas
► WEE1 kinase is a major regulator of the G2 checkpoint in glioblastoma cells
► Inhibition of WEE1 pushes DNA-damaged glioblastoma cells into mitotic catastrophe
► WEE1 inhibitors may prove therapeutically attractive for glioblastoma treatment