WDR5

WDR5

WDR5 is a protein that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including gene regulation and embryonic development. It is a component of the mammalian Trithorax complex, which is responsible for maintaining the active state of genes involved in development and differentiation. WDR5 is highly conserved across species and is essential for normal development and cell function.

Structure

WDR5 is a member of the WD repeat protein family, characterized by the presence of multiple copies of a conserved WD repeat motif. It consists of seven WD repeats, which form a β-propeller structure. The WD repeats provide a platform for protein-protein interactions, allowing WDR5 to interact with other components of the Trithorax complex and various other proteins involved in gene regulation.

Function

WDR5 plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression. It is involved in the deposition of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), a histone modification associated with active gene transcription. WDR5 interacts with the catalytic subunit of the Trithorax complex, which adds the methyl groups to histone H3. This interaction is essential for the proper targeting and activity of the Trithorax complex at specific gene loci.

In addition to its role in gene regulation, WDR5 is also involved in embryonic development. Studies have shown that WDR5 is required for the proper formation of various tissues and organs during embryogenesis. It is particularly important for the development of the central nervous system, heart, and limbs.

Clinical Significance

Aberrant expression or dysfunction of WDR5 has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. WDR5 is often found to be overexpressed in cancer cells, and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in several types of cancer. Inhibition of WDR5 has been shown to impair cancer cell growth and induce cell death, making it a potential target for cancer therapy.

Furthermore, WDR5 has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. Mutations in the gene encoding WDR5 have been identified in individuals with intellectual disability and developmental delay. These findings highlight the importance of WDR5 in normal brain development and function.