| Modification Notes |
WD-repeats are motifs that are found in a variety of proteins and are characterized by a conserved core of 40-60 amino acids that commonly form a tertiary propeller structure. Proteins that contain WD-repeats participate in a wide range of cellular functions, however they are generally involved in regulatory mechanisms concerning chromatin assembly, cell cycle control, signal transduction, RNA processing, apoptosis and vesicular trafficking. WDR77 (WD-repeat domain 77), also known as MEP50, is a 342 amino acid protein that contains five WD-repeats and is thought to regulate the early assembly of U snRNPs. Additionally, WDR77 functions as a component of a PRMT5-containing methyltransferase complex that converts arginines to dimethylarginines in a variety of spliceosomal Sm proteins. This conversion subsequently targets Sm proteins to the survival of motor neurons (SMN) complex where they are assembled into ribonucleoprotein core particles. Based on its involvement with the methyltransferase complex, WDR77 is thought to be involved in the development of testicular tumors, suggesting a role in carcinogenesis. |
