Protein Domain : WH2 domain IPR003124

Type	Domain
Description	The WH2 (WASP-Homology 2, or Wiskott-Aldrich homology 2) domain is an ~18 amino acids actin-binding motif. This domain was first recognised as an essential element for the regulation of the cytoskeleton by the mammalian Actin nucleation-promoting factor WAS (also known asWiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein, WASP). WH2 proteins occur in eukaryotes from yeast to mammals, in insect viruses, and in some bacteria. The WH2 domain is found as a modular part of larger proteins; it can be associated with the WH1 or EVH1 domain and with the CRIB domain , and the WH2 domain can occur as a tandem repeat. The WH2 domain binds actin monomers and can facilitate the assembly of actin monomers into newly forming actin filaments [ , ]. Some proteins known to contain a WH2 domain:Mammalian Actin nucleation-promoting factor WAS (WASP), a possible regulator of lymphocyte and platelet function. Defects in WASP are the cause of Wiskott- Aldrich syndrome (WAS), an X-linked recessive disease characterised by immune dysregulation and microthrombocytopenia. WASP proteins bind the actin nucleating protein complex Arp2/3.Mammalian N-WASP/WASL and WASF/SCAR/WAVE1-3, and yeast LAS17, which are also proteins from the WASP family that participate in the transduction of signals from the cell surface to the actin cytoskeleton.WAS protein family homologue 1 (WASH1), acts as a nucleation-promoting factor at the surface of endosomes, where it recruits and activates the Arp2/3 complex to induce actin polymerisation. Baker's yeast Verprolin, a protein involved in cytoskeletal organisation and cellular growth.Human WASP interacting protein (WASPIP/WIP), a WASP-, profilin- and actin-binding protein which induces actin polymerisation and redistribution.Nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) P61/78/83 capsid protein, which may be important for the persistence and survival of the virus.Fruit fly Spir(e) protein, an actin nucleation factor involved in the development of oocytes and embryos. Spir is conserved among metazoans.Mammalian metastasis suppressor 1 or Missing in Metastasis (MIM) protein, an actin-binding protein that may be related to cancer progression or tumor metastasis.
Short Name	WH2_dom