Dynein assembly factor with WD repeats 1 (DAW1)

Dynein assembly factor with WD repeats 1 (DAW1) is a highly conserved protein necessary for assembling and trafficking axonemal dynein arms into motile cilia, thereby ensuring proper ciliary beating[1][2]. DAW1 functions as a molecular scaffold, interacting with multiple protein partners and helping incorporate dynein motor complexes into the ciliary axoneme. Loss or mutation of DAW1 impairs cilia motility and is directly implicated in primary ciliary dyskinesia, a disease characterized by defects in ciliary motion—resulting in respiratory problems, infertility, and situs inversus due to failed left-right body symmetry establishment[1][2][7]. DAW1 has WD repeat domains that mediate protein-protein interactions and is predicted to be part of the SCF ubiquitin ligase complex, potentially linking ciliary assembly to regulated protein turnover[1]. DAW1 is expressed in a wide range of tissues, especially those with high ciliary activity, including the respiratory tract, reproductive system, and embryonic tissues[6]. Variants or reduced function in DAW1 in animal models lead to defects in ciliary motility, abnormal tissue development, and associated disease phenotypes[1][2][7]. DAW1 is primarily of interest in genetic and mechanistic studies of ciliary biology and congenital diseases (especially PCD), rather than as a direct druggable therapeutic target[1][2][7].

Other names

ODA16WDR69DNAAF18Dynein axonemal assembly factor 18Outer row dynein assembly protein 16 homologWD repeat-containing protein 69