WD repeat-containing protein 41 (WDR41)

WD repeat-containing protein 41 (WDR41) is a non-catalytic scaffold protein defined by multiple WD40 repeat motifs, which fold into a beta-propeller structure providing multiple protein-protein interaction surfaces[1][2][3][4]. WDR41 forms a constitutive complex with C9orf72 and SMCR8, enabling the regulated recruitment of these proteins to lysosomes—an essential step for autophagy regulation and, potentially, mTORC1 nutrient sensing[1][3]. Its function is to promote assembly and localization of signaling complexes rather than to catalyze enzymatic reactions directly[1][2][4]. WDR41 has been associated with disease processes such as tumorigenesis, through regulation of key survival pathways (e.g., AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin)[5], and is implicated in genetic risk for neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions through GWAS studies[5][3]. No direct drug modulators or targeted therapeutics for WDR41 are currently reported, and its role is best described as scaffolding within macromolecular signaling complexes involved in cellular homeostasis, especially autophagy and lysosome-related pathways[1][3]. Notes: - WDR41 itself is not currently a direct drug or therapeutic target, but participates in important regulatory pathways including those involving C9orf72 (a protein of interest in ALS/FTLD research)[1][3]. - There are no established small-molecule ligands or inhibitors for WDR41, nor direct clinical interventions targeting this protein to date[3][5]. - Promoter methylation of WDR41 has been proposed as a biomarker for malignancy in some cancers[5]. - WDR41 is crucial as a molecular scaffold rather than as an enzyme, transporter, or classical receptor[1][3][4].

Other names

MSTP048FLJ10904WD repeat domain 41WD-repeat protein 41