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The WD repeat: a common architecture for diverse functions
T F Smith1, C Gaitatzes, K Saxena
1Boston University, Biomolecular Engineering Research Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA. tsmith@darwin.bu.edu
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|May 14, 1999
Summary
WD repeat proteins, crucial for eukaryotes, are classified into subfamilies based on structural similarity. This classification aids in predicting their binding partners and functions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- WD repeat proteins are a large, functionally diverse protein family found across all eukaryotes.
- These proteins are involved in numerous essential cellular processes.
- Accumulating knowledge highlights their significance in biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define subfamilies within the WD repeat protein family.
- To leverage structural information for functional predictions.
- To understand the evolutionary and functional relationships among WD repeat proteins.
Main Methods:
- Determining the three-dimensional structure of a representative WD repeat protein.
- Assuming structural conservation across the WD repeat protein family.
- Classifying WD repeat proteins into subfamilies based on surface similarity analysis.
Main Results:
- A method for defining WD repeat protein subfamilies was established.
- Structural insights allowed for the grouping of proteins with similar surface characteristics.
- Subfamilies were identified based on probable surface similarity.
Conclusions:
- WD repeat protein structure is likely conserved, enabling subfamily classification.
- Proteins with similar surface structures are predicted to share binding partners and functions.
- This structural classification provides a framework for understanding WD repeat protein diversity and function.