Docking of fatty acids into the WIF domain of the human Wnt inhibitory factor-1

Lipids. 2008 Mar;43(3):227-30. doi: 10.1007/s11745-007-3144-3. Epub 2008 Feb 7.

Abstract

Palmitoylated Wnt proteins comprise a conserved family of secreted signaling molecules associated with variety of human cancers. WIF domain of the human WIF (Wnt inhibitory factor)-1 is sufficient for Wnt binding and signaling inhibition. Detailed interactions between Wnt and WIF-1 are not known. Computational docking was employed to identify a possible fatty acid binding site in the WIF domain. A putative binding site was identified inside the domain. WIF domain exhibited the highest affinity for C16:0-C18:0 (-22 kJ/mol free energy of binding) fatty acids. The results suggest a role of the WIF domain as a palmitoyl binding domain required for WIF-1 binding to palmitoylated Wnt and signaling inhibition.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / chemistry
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Binding Sites
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Lipoylation
  • Palmitic Acid / metabolism*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Repressor Proteins / chemistry
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Thermodynamics
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Repressor Proteins
  • WIF1 protein, human
  • Wnt Proteins
  • Palmitic Acid