| Modification Notes |
WIPI-1 (WD repeat domain, phosphoinositide interacting-1), also known as WIPI1, ATG18 or WIPI49, is a 446 amino acid protein that localizes to cytoplasmic vesicles, endosomes, clathrin-coated vesicles and the trans-Golgi network. Ubiquitously expressed with highest expression in heart, testis, placenta, pancreas and skeletal muscle, WIPI-1 is thought to play a role in autophagy and may regulate protein trafficking in certain recycling pathways. In addition, WIPI-1 interacts with androgen and estrogen receptors (ARs and ERs, respectively) and, through this interaction, may modify receptor function. WIPI-1 contains three WD repeats and has a 7-bladed propeller structure with a conserved motif that facilitates its interaction with other proteins. WIPI-1 is expressed as two isoforms, designated alpha and beta, and its expression is upregulated in a variety of tumors, suggesting a role in carcinogenesis. |