DDB1- and CUL4-associated factor 11 (DCAF11)

DDB1- and CUL4-associated factor 11 (DCAF11, also known as WD repeat-containing protein 23 or WDR23) is a WD40 repeat-containing protein that serves as a substrate receptor for the CUL4-DDB1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex in humans[1][2][8]. It mediates the targeted degradation of proteins such as stem-loop binding protein (SLBP) at the end of S phase, a process necessary for normal cell cycle progression and viability[3]. DCAF11 is involved in recognizing specific substrates for ubiquitination and plays a critical role in processes related to protein modification and cell cycle regulation[3][5][7]. It has recently been leveraged in the design of PROTAC drugs that enlist the protein for targeted degradation of disease-related proteins, such as histone deacetylases[5][9]. Diseases associated with DCAF11 include renal pelvis carcinoma, highlighting its relevance as a therapeutic target[7]. While safety challenges may exist given the essential nature of its biological functions, DCAF11 represents a promising entry point for innovative protein degradation therapies.

Other names

WD repeat-containing protein 23WD repeat domain 23WDR23LEC14BGL014PRO2389

Drugs (such as PROTACs) recruit DCAF11 as the E3 ligase substrate receptor to facilitate ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of target proteins (e.g., HDACs)