WIPF1

This gene encodes a protein that plays an important role in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. The encoded protein binds to a region of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein that is frequently mutated in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, an X-linked recessive disorder. Impairment of the interaction between these two proteins may contribute to the disease. Two transcript variants encoding the same protein have been identified for this gene.

Full Name

WAS/WASL interacting protein family, member 1

Function

Plays a role in the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Contributes with NCK1 and GRB2 in the recruitment and activation of WASL. May participate in regulating the subcellular localization of WASL, resulting in the disassembly of stress fibers in favor of filopodia formation. Plays a role in the formation of cell ruffles (By similarity).
Plays an important role in the intracellular motility of vaccinia virus by functioning as an adapter for recruiting WASL to vaccinia virus.

Biological Process

Biological Process actin filament-based movement Source:GO_Central1 Publication
Biological Process actin polymerization or depolymerization Source:ProtInc1 Publication
Biological Process protein-containing complex assembly Source:ProtInc1 Publication
Biological Process response to other organism Source:Ensembl

Cellular Location

Cytoplasmic vesicle
Cytoplasm, cytoskeleton
Cell projection, ruffle
Vesicle surfaces and along actin tails. Colocalizes with actin stress fibers. When coexpressed with WASL, no longer associated with actin filaments but accumulated in perinuclear and cortical areas like WASL (By similarity).

Involvement in disease

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome 2 (WAS2):
An immunodeficiency disorder characterized by eczema, thrombocytopenia, recurrent infections, defective T-cell proliferation, and impaired natural killer cell function.