WASL (gene)

Neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the WASL is_associated_with::gene.

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) family of proteins share similar domain structure, and are involved in transduction of signals from receptors on the cell surface to the is_associated_with::actin is_associated_with::cytoskeleton. The presence of a number of different motifs suggests that they are regulated by a number of different stimuli, and interact with multiple is_associated_with::proteins. Recent studies have demonstrated that these proteins, directly or indirectly, associate with the small is_associated_with::GTPase, is_associated_with::Cdc42, known to regulate formation of actin filaments, and the cytoskeletal organizing complex, is_associated_with::Arp2/3. The WASL gene product is a homolog of is_associated_with::WAS protein, however, unlike the latter, it is ubiquitously expressed and shows highest expression in neural tissues. It has been shown to bind Cdc42 directly, and induce formation of long actin microspikes.

According to one study, mouse is_associated_with::DAB1 regulates actin cytoskeleton through N-WASP.

Interactions
WASL (gene) has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::RHOQ, is_associated_with::NCK1, is_associated_with::Profilin 1, is_associated_with::Cortactin and is_associated_with::CDC42.