WIPI1

WIPI1 or WD repeat domain, phosphoinositide interacting 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the WIPI1 gene. It is a key component in the autophagy process, a cellular degradation pathway for the clearance of damaged or superfluous proteins and organelles.

Function

WIPI1 is a member of the WD repeat protein family. WD repeats are minimally conserved regions of approximately 40 amino acids typically bracketed by gly-his and trp-asp (GH-WD), which may facilitate formation of heterotrimeric or multiprotein complexes. Members of this family are involved in a variety of cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, signal transduction, apoptosis, and gene regulation.

In the context of autophagy, WIPI1 plays a crucial role in the formation of autophagosomes, the double-membrane vesicles that engulf cellular components for degradation. It does so by binding to phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) on the nascent autophagosomal membrane.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the WIPI1 gene have been associated with several diseases. For instance, a decreased expression of WIPI1 has been observed in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential role of autophagy impairment in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Furthermore, WIPI1 has been implicated in cancer. Overexpression of WIPI1 has been reported in certain types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer. This overexpression may contribute to the survival of cancer cells by enhancing autophagy.

See also

• WD repeat
• Autophagy
• Alzheimer's disease
• Cancer