WASH complex subunit 2C (WASHC2C)

WASH complex subunit 2C (WASHC2C, also known as FAM21C) is a cytosolic and endosome-associated protein that is a key regulatory and structural component of the WASH complex[1][2][3][7]. The WASH complex acts as a nucleation-promoting factor (NPF) at the cytosolic face of endosomes, recruiting and activating the Arp2/3 complex to drive local actin polymerization. This actin remodeling is critical for the scission of tubules required for selective endosomal cargo sorting and trafficking, especially in concert with the retromer and associated complexes such as CCC and Retriever[1][2][3]. WASHC2C interacts with several phosphoinositide lipids and the VPS35 subunit of the retromer, facilitating complex recruitment and assembly at endosomal membranes[3][7]. Additionally, FAM21 (WASHC2C) can modulate transcriptional activity in the nucleus, interacting with NF-κB signaling components. WASHC2C is not a traditional therapeutic target (e.g., receptor or enzyme) but is implicated in membrane trafficking processes that, when dysregulated, may be associated with certain infections (notably vaccinia virus entry) and potentially other disease contexts, though direct clinical targeting or drug interaction is not established[2][3][7].

Other names

FAM21CKIAA0592VPEFFAM21AWASHCAPVaccinia virus penetration factorEm:AC012044.3family with sequence similarity 21 member C