WD repeat-containing protein 61 (WDR61)

WD repeat-containing protein 61 (WDR61, also called SKIC8 or Ski8) is a conserved core component of the cytoplasmic SKI complex, which functions as a cofactor for the RNA exosome to promote 3′ to 5′ degradation of cytoplasmic mRNAs and maintain mRNA quality control[2][3][4]. WDR61 contains tandem WD-repeat motifs that help assemble a seven-bladed β-propeller structure, facilitating stable interactions with other SKI complex partners such as the RNA helicase Ski2 and the scaffold protein Ski3[1][2]. In yeast, Ski8 also contributes to meiotic recombination by forming a complex with Spo11. The SKI complex is essential for degrading aberrant or viral RNAs and assists the exosome in targeted mRNA degradation, especially of transcripts lacking ribosome association or possessing non-stop codons[2]. WDR61/SKIC8 is highly conserved from yeast to mammals but is primarily recognized for its molecular scaffolding and regulation roles, rather than as a direct therapeutic drug target. There is no evidence it is a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or direct drug target, nor are interacting drugs, clinical biomarkers, or safety concerns established for this protein in humans[2][4].

Other names

Superkiller complex protein 8SKIC8Ski8REC14Meiotic recombination REC14 protein homologSKI complex component SKI8Ski complex subunit Rec14SKI8 homologWD repeat domain 61WD repeat-containing protein 61SKI8 subunit of superkiller complex proteinWD repeat-containing protein 61, N-terminally processed