Anti-WDR45 antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

The WDR45 protein also known as WD repeat domain phosphoinositide-interacting protein 4 (WIPI4) plays a necessary role in the autophagic process. It is a protein of approximately 42 kDa and consists of seven WD40 repeats which facilitate protein-protein interactions. The protein is broadly expressed in various tissues particularly in the brain. These interactions are critical in autophagy a process for degrading and recycling cellular components.

Biological function summary

WDR45 contributes significantly to the regulation of autophagy. It acts as part of a multi-protein complex referred to as the autophagy-related 2 (ATG) complex. This complex is involved in autophagosome formation which is an important component in cellular degradation pathways. WDR45 binds phosphoinositides which are phospholipids integral to vesicle trafficking and membrane dynamics during autophagy.

Pathways

The influence of WDR45 is evident in the PI3K/Akt signaling and AMPK signaling pathways. These pathways regulate cellular energy homeostasis and the response to metabolic stress. PI3K/Akt and AMPK modulate the activity of the mTOR pathway which is known to suppress autophagy. WDR45 interacts with other autophagy-related proteins such as LC3 and ULK1 facilitating the initiation of the autophagic process.

Associated diseases and disorders

The connection to WDR45 is pronounced in neurodegenerative diseases like beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN) and Parkinson's disease. Mutations in WDR45 lead to defective autophagy resulting in the accumulation of damaged organelles and proteins in neurons. It is linked to proteins involved in these disorders such as PINK1 and Parkin further highlighting its potential role in disease pathology through impaired mitochondrial quality control and neural damage.