WWP2: Difference between revisions

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== Function ==
== Function ==
The 2,3-linker plays an autoinhibitory role. Upon phosphorylation the 2,3-linker changes conformation, allowing the protein to bind ubiquitin in the E2 binding site. This binding will further open the protein up to bind possible substrates.   
Studies suggest that the non-catalytic C2 domain and WW domains play a regulatory role in the catalytic activity of the HECT domain. Genetic deletions of WW domains and linkers have shown increased autoubiquitination activity. The WW domains and linkers play a role in altering protein conformation, with the 2,3-linker playing the greatest role. 
 
This linker plays an autoinhibitory role. The ground state conformation of the protein has the 2,3-linker close to the N-lobe, while WW1 and WW2 domains block the N lobe’s ubiquitin-binding site. Upon phosphorylation the 2,3-linker changes conformation, moving further from the N lobe, allowing the protein to bind ubiquitin in the E2 and N lobe binding sites. This binding will further open the protein up to bind possible substrates, like PTEN.   
 
Interactions between the hinge and the 2,3-linker appear to restrict flexibility of the C-lobe which is necessary for ubiquitin transferase activity. This interaction further locks the protein into the T position. A current model of WWP2 activation by Chen et. al. proposes the following: (1) autoinhibited WWP2 gets phosphorylated at the 2,3-linker, (2) loosening of the 2,3-linker interactions with the hinge and ubiquitin binding exosite allow ubiquitin to bind in the C-lobe, (3) the target substrate protein binds with specifity towards the WW domains, (4) the substrate protein gets ubiquitinated, and (5) the 2,3-linker gets dephosphorylated, allowing WWP2 to return to the autoinhibited ground state conformation.


== Relevance ==
== Relevance ==


 
Mutations in the NEDD4 family of proteins have been associated with several cancers and immune disorders. Many of these mutations occur in the 2,3-linker/HECT autoinhibited domains and the modified activity of the E3 Ligases as a result of these mutations can lead to an increase in the growth of tumor cells. WWP2 may play a role in the regulation of oncogenic signaling pathways through interactions with its substrate PTEN, a tumor suppressor in the PI3K pathway. The downregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels by WWP2 and other members of the NEDD4 family is an active area of research.