D
IPR003124

WH2 domain

InterPro entry
Short nameWH2_dom

Description

The WH2 (WASP-Homology 2, or Wiskott-Aldrich homology 2) domain is an ~18 amino acids actin-binding motif. This domain was first recognised as an essential element for the regulation of the cytoskeleton by the mammalian Actin nucleation-promoting factor WAS (also known asWiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein, WASP). WH2 proteins occur in eukaryotes from yeast to mammals, in insect viruses, and in some bacteria. The WH2 domain is found as a modular part of larger proteins; it can be associated with the WH1 or EVH1 domain
IPR000697
and with the CRIB domain
IPR000095
, and the WH2 domain can occur as a tandem repeat. The WH2 domain binds actin monomers and can facilitate the assembly of actin monomers into newly forming actin filaments
[1, 2]
.

Some proteins known to contain a WH2 domain:


 * Mammalian Actin nucleation-promoting factor WAS (WASP), a possible regulator of lymphocyte and platelet function. Defects in WASP are the cause of Wiskott- Aldrich syndrome (WAS), an X-linked recessive disease characterised by immune dysregulation and microthrombocytopenia. WASP proteins bind the actin nucleating protein complex Arp2/3.
 * Mammalian N-WASP/WASL and WASF/SCAR/WAVE1-3, and yeast LAS17, which are also proteins from the WASP family that participate in the transduction of signals from the cell surface to the actin cytoskeleton.
 * WAS protein family homologue 1 (WASH1), acts as a nucleation-promoting factor at the surface of endosomes, where it recruits and activates the Arp2/3 complex to induce actin polymerisation.
 * Baker's yeast Verprolin, a protein involved in cytoskeletal organisation and cellular growth.
 * Human WASP interacting protein (WASPIP/WIP), a WASP-, profilin- and actin-binding protein which induces actin polymerisation and redistribution.
 * Nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) P61/78/83 capsid protein, which may be important for the persistence and survival of the virus.
 * Fruit fly Spir(e) protein, an actin nucleation factor involved in the development of oocytes and embryos. Spir is conserved among metazoans.
 * Mammalian metastasis suppressor 1 or Missing in Metastasis (MIM) protein, an actin-binding protein that may be related to cancer progression or tumor metastasis.

References

1.WASP homology sequences in baculoviruses. Machesky LM, Insall RH, Volkman LE. Trends Cell Biol. 11, 286-7, (2001). View articlePMID: 11434350

2.WH2 domain: a small, versatile adapter for actin monomers. Paunola E, Mattila PK, Lappalainen P. FEBS Lett. 513, 92-7, (2002). View articlePMID: 11911886

Further reading

3. WASP family proteins: Molecular mechanisms and implications in human disease. Kramer DA, Piper HK, Chen B. Eur J Cell Biol 101, 151244, (2022). PMID: 35667337

GO terms

biological process

  • None

molecular function

cellular component

  • None

Cross References

This website requires cookies, and the limited processing of your personal data in order to function. By using the site you are agreeing to this as outlined in our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use.