WD repeat domain 7 (WDR7)

WD repeat domain 7 (WDR7) is a member of the WD repeat protein family, characterized by the presence of multiple WD40 repeat motifs which facilitate the assembly of heterotrimeric or multiprotein complexes[1][2][7]. WDR7 forms the beta subunit of rabconnectin-3, functioning in association with Rab3A GDP/GTP exchange and activating proteins — regulators of the Rab3 small G protein family that are pivotal in the calcium-dependent exocytosis of neurotransmitters[1][7]. Through its structure and binding partners, WDR7 is implicated in essential cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, signal transduction, apoptosis, synaptic activity, and gene regulation[1][2][7]. Variability in a human-specific tandem repeat region within the WDR7 gene has been associated with increased susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases, particularly ALS. These repeats can form stem-loop structures linked to microRNA biogenesis and the formation of RNA aggregates, which may impact post-transcriptional gene expression and contribute to neurodegenerative disease mechanisms[1][3]. Currently, WDR7 is not an established therapeutic target, and no approved drugs are known to act on this protein.

Other names

WD repeat-containing protein 7KIAA0541TRAGRabconnectin-3 betaTGF-beta resistance-associated protein TRAGrabconnectin-3 beta