Phylogenetic, structural and functional relationships between WD- and Kelch-repeat proteins

Subcell Biochem. 2008:48:6-19. doi: 10.1007/978-0-387-09595-0_2.

Abstract

The beta-propeller domain is a widespread protein organizational motif. Typically, beta-propeller proteins are encoded by repeated sequences where each repeat unit corresponds to a twisted beta-sheet structural motif; these beta-sheets are arranged in a circle around a central axis to generate the beta-propeller structure. Two superfamilies of beta-propeller proteins, the WD-repeat and Kelch-repeat families, exhibit similarities not only in structure, but, remarkably, also in the types of molecular functions they perform. While it is unlikely that WD and Kelch repeats evolved from a common ancestor, their evolution into diverse families of similar function may reflect the evolutionary advantages of the stable core beta-propeller fold. In this chapter, we examine the relationships between these two widespread protein families, emphasizing recently published work relating to the structure and function of both Kelch and WD-repeat proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny*
  • Protein Conformation*
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / classification
  • Repetitive Sequences, Amino Acid
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid

Substances

  • Proteins