WW and C2 domain containing 1 (WWC1)

WW and C2 domain containing 1 (WWC1), commonly known as KIBRA, is a scaffolding and adaptor protein highly expressed in the kidney and brain, among other tissues[4][3]. It contains distinctive protein domains: two N-terminal WW domains (protein-protein interaction modules that bind proline-rich motifs), a calcium-dependent C2 domain (for phospholipid binding), coiled-coil regions, a PDZ-binding motif, and regions that interact with kinases and other signaling molecules[2][3]. WWC1 is a key regulator and component of the Hippo signaling pathway, where it acts primarily by facilitating interactions between core proteins such as LATS1/2 and PTPN14, thereby influencing cellular proliferation, migration, and polarity[1][3]. WWC1/KIBRA also plays crucial roles in synaptic function, plasticity, and cognition, notably learning and memory, supported by its direct interactions with postsynaptic density proteins and kinases involved in memory maintenance[1][3]. Genetic polymorphisms in WWC1 are associated with differences in human memory performance and have been studied as potential biomarkers for cognitive resilience and susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and psychiatric conditions like depression and PTSD[4][2][1]. There are no known small molecule drugs or clinical agents directly targeting WWC1 as of this writing, and it is not currently a major direct therapeutic target; its principal importance lies in signaling, neurobiology, and cancer biology research contexts[1][3][2][4].

Other names

Protein KIBRAKIBRAKIAA0869PPP1R168kidney and brain expressed proteinHBeAg-binding protein 3HBEBP3MEMRYQTLWW domain-containing protein 1WWC1protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 168