WASH complex subunit 2A (WASHC2A)

WASH complex subunit 2A (WASHC2A, also known as FAM21) is a core component of the WASH complex, a multi-protein cytoplasmic assembly essential for actin polymerization and endosomal sorting. It mediates the recruitment of the WASH complex to endosome membranes by binding phospholipids and the retromer subunit VPS35, thereby promoting the recycling of proteins from endosomes to the plasma membrane and preventing their misrouting to lysosomes or the Golgi apparatus. WASHC2A regulates local actin assembly by modulating nucleation-promoting activity within the complex and contributes to the fission of endosomal tubules. Beyond its trafficking roles, WASHC2A has nuclear functions, including involvement in transcriptional regulation linked to cancer progression and participation in the DNA damage response by recruiting the WASH complex to sites of double-strand breaks via interaction with the Ku protein, thereby aiding in genome integrity maintenance.

Other names

FAM21FAM21AFAM21BbA56A21.1bA98I6.1FLJ10824family with sequence similarity 21 member Afamily with sequence similarity 21, member BWASH complex subunit FAM21AWASH complex subunit FAM21Balternative protein FAM21B