WDR4
WDR4 (WD repeat domain 4, also known as TRM82, TRMT82 and Wuho) is the non-catalytic subunit of the METTL1-WDR4 methyltransferase complex. It acts as a scaffold for tRNA binding and supports N7-methylguanine formation in tRNAs, mRNAs and microRNAs. Browse Assay Genie's current range of WDR4 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
WDR4 is a non-catalytic component of the METTL1-WDR4 methyltransferase complex, which is required for the formation of N(7)-methylguanine in a subset of RNA species, including tRNAs, mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs). Within the complex, WDR4 acts as a scaffold for tRNA binding. It is required for N(7)-methylguanine at position 46 (m7G46) in a large subset of tRNAs that carry the 5'-RAGGU-3' motif in the variable loop. The m7G46 modification interacts with C13-G22 in the D-loop, which stabilises tRNA tertiary structure and protects tRNAs from decay.
The role of WDR4 extends beyond tRNA. It is also required for N(7)-methylguanine at internal sites in a subset of mRNAs, and for methylation of a specific subset of miRNAs, such as let-7. Independently of METTL1, WDR4 contributes to genome stability. It localises at the DNA replication site and regulates the endonucleolytic activities of FEN1. UniProt records its subcellular location as the nucleus and chromosome. Researchers studying RNA modification, translation control or replication stress may therefore use a WDR4 antibody, WDR4 ELISA kit or WDR4 protein to examine these functions.
The WDR4 gene encodes a member of the WD repeat protein family and belongs to the WD repeat TRM82 family. WD repeats are minimally conserved regions of about 40 amino acids, typically bracketed by gly-his and trp-asp, which may facilitate formation of heterotrimeric or multiprotein complexes. Family members take part in cell cycle progression, signal transduction, apoptosis and gene regulation. WDR4 was excluded as a candidate for a form of nonsyndromic deafness (DFNB10), but remains a candidate for other disorders mapped to 21q22.3 and for the development of Down syndrome phenotypes. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been reported. The mouse ortholog is Wdr4.
WDR4 scaffolds tRNA binding in the METTL1-WDR4 complex and is required for m7G46 formation, which stabilises tRNA tertiary structure and protects against decay.
WDR4 is needed for N7-methylguanine in subsets of mRNAs and for methylation of miRNAs such as let-7, linking it to wider RNA regulation.
Independently of METTL1, WDR4 localises at DNA replication sites and regulates the endonucleolytic activities of FEN1.
WDR4 maps to 21q22.3 and is a candidate gene for disorders at that locus and for Down syndrome phenotypes.
WDR4 is the non-catalytic subunit of the METTL1-WDR4 methyltransferase complex, where it scaffolds tRNA binding. The complex forms N(7)-methylguanine in tRNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs. WDR4 also regulates FEN1 endonucleolytic activities at DNA replication sites, independently of METTL1.
WDR4 is also known as TRM82, TRMT82 and Wuho, and was previously named WD repeat domain 4. The UniProt name is tRNA (guanine-N(7)-)-methyltransferase non-catalytic subunit WDR4. NCBI notes that alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for the gene.
WDR4 maps to 21q22.3. NCBI reports it was excluded as a candidate for nonsyndromic deafness DFNB10, but it remains a candidate for other disorders mapped to this region and for Down syndrome phenotypes. Mouse has an ortholog, Wdr4; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other WD repeat domain proteins with research reagents at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P57081; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.