The post-transcriptional roles of WT1, a multifunctional zinc-finger protein.
WT1 was first described in 1990 as a tumour suppressor gene associated with Wilms tumour (nephroblastoma). It encodes a typical transcription factor with four C(2)-H(2) zinc fingers in the C-terminus. However WT1 is surprisingly complex at multiple levels: it is involved in the development of several organ systems; and is both a tumour suppressor and oncogene. Here we review evidence that has accumulated over the past decade to suggest that as well as binding DNA, WT1 also binds mRNA targets via its zinc fingers and interacts with several splice factors. WT1's first reported post-transcriptional function is also reviewed. WT1's complex roles in development and disease now need to be understood in terms of both DNA and mRNA targets.
Morrison
Avril A
AA
Centre for Research in Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
Viney
Rebecca L
RL
Ladomery
Michael R
MR
D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D011485:Protein Binding; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins / Q000737:chemistry; D025721:WT1 Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D016335:Zinc Fingers / Q000502:physiology
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins; D025721:WT1 Proteins; C026452:messenger ribonucleoprotein