PLK2

Polo-like kinase 2 (PLK2) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the PLK2 gene. PLK2 belongs to the polo family of serine/threonine protein kinases, which have been implicated in the regulation of various stages of the cell cycle and in the process of DNA damage response and repair. The expression of PLK2 is found to be upregulated in response to DNA damage and is thought to play a critical role in cell cycle checkpoints and neuronal development.

Function

PLK2 is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that plays a significant role in the regulation of cell cycle progression, particularly in the entry into and exit from mitosis. It is involved in the initiation of centrosome maturation and spindle assembly, and it is essential for the completion of cytokinesis. PLK2 phosphorylates and regulates the activities of several key proteins involved in cell cycle progression, including p53, a crucial tumor suppressor protein involved in DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest.

In addition to its role in cell cycle regulation, PLK2 has been implicated in the regulation of synaptic function and neuronal plasticity. It is thought to contribute to the phosphorylation of synapsin I, a protein involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter release, thereby influencing synaptic transmission and memory formation.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in PLK2 expression and activity have been associated with various forms of cancer, including ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers. Overexpression of PLK2 has been observed in some tumors, suggesting a potential role in tumorigenesis. Conversely, PLK2 is also thought to act as a tumor suppressor in certain contexts, as it can induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to DNA damage.

Given its dual role in cell cycle regulation and neuronal function, PLK2 is considered a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment and neurological disorders. Inhibitors of PLK2 kinase activity are being explored as anticancer agents, while modulation of PLK2 activity could potentially be used to enhance cognitive function or protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

Gene

The PLK2 gene is located on chromosome 5q12-13.1 and consists of 14 exons. The gene encodes a protein of 685 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 78 kDa. The PLK2 protein contains a conserved polo-box domain, which is critical for its subcellular localization and interaction with substrates.

See Also

• Polo-like kinase
• Cell cycle
• DNA damage response
• Mitosis
• Cytokinesis
• p53

References

PLK2 Resources
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