WD repeat-containing protein 26 (WDR26)

WD repeat-containing protein 26 (WDR26) is a human protein encoded by the WDR26 gene and is a member of the WD repeat protein family, characterized by sequences of about 40 amino acids often forming a beta-propeller structure[1][3][4][6]. WDR26 acts as a scaffolding protein involved in multiple cellular processes, including signal transduction (notably as a Gβγ-interacting scaffold in the PI3K/AKT pathway), cell cycle progression, apoptosis regulation, and gene expression[2][4][6][9]. It associates with and organizes signaling complexes involving PI3Kβ, AKT2, and Gβγ subunits, enhancing the specificity and efficiency of these pathways, and negatively regulates some signaling pathways, including MAPK and canonical Wnt[2][4][6]. WDR26 is a component of E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes, thereby participating in regulated protein degradation[5][4]. Pathogenic variants in WDR26 cause Skraban–Deardorff syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder, and overexpression is linked to tumorigenesis and breast cancer metastasis, making it of interest as both a disease marker and a potential therapeutic target[2][10][7]. There are currently no known drugs that directly target WDR26.

Other names

CDW2GID7MIP2PRO0852FLJ21016GID complex subunit 7 homologCUL4- and DDB1-associated WDR protein 2myocardial ischemic preconditioning up-regulated protein 2SKDEAS

In principle, drugs could target WDR26 to modulate scaffolding of PI3K/AKT or MAPK signaling pathways; however, no direct pharmacological modulators are currently documented in the literature[2][4].