Polo-like kinase-1 (Plk1) is an enzyme that regulates many important processes during cell division. PhD-student Barbara van de Weerdt investigated many aspects of the Plk1 enzyme and, among other things, discovered that the timing of different Plk1 functions is probably in part regulated by other enzymes.
Getting to know more about Plk1 is important since it is a promising anti-tumor lead. In many different tumors, Plk1 levels are abnormally high. Using a Plk1 inhibitor on mice tumors leads to tumor reduction or complete regression. This promising inhibitor is currently tested in the clinic. However, since Plk1 is also present in normal cells, side effects are likely to occur. Van de Weerdt’s research is necessary in gaining insight in possible side effects.
Van de Weerdt also found a possible new function for Plk1. One of the Plk1-modifications studied disarms the spindle checkpoint in mitosis, which is important to control proper chromosome division. Plk1 thus may have a new function in this checkpoint. Chromosome division is pivotal to cell division, which is necessary for an organism to grow and to replace old or damaged cells.
Thesis: “Separating the multiple roles of Polo-like kinase-1 in mitosis”
PhD-advisor: Prof.dr. R.H. Medema