Ciao 1 is a novel WD40 protein that interacts with the tumor suppressor protein WT1

Abstract

The Wilms tumor suppressor protein, WT1, is a transcription factor capable of activating or repressing transcription of various cellular genes. The mechanisms involved in regulating the transcriptional activities of WT1 are beginning to be unraveled. It appears that physical interactions of other cellular proteins (p53 and par-4) with WT1 can modulate the function of WT1. Here, we report the identification and cloning of a novel WT1-interacting protein termed Ciao 1, a member of the WD40 family of proteins. Ciao 1 specifically interacts with WT1 both in vitro and in vivo. This interaction alters the mobility of a WT1·DNA complex in gel shift assays, and results in a decrease in transcription..