Biochem/physiol Actions

WT-1, the product of Wilms’; tumor suppressor gene Wt1, is a nuclear protein with structural motifs characteristic of transcription factors, including four C-terminal zinc fingers. While different pre-mRNA processing could result in 16 isoforms of the protein, the inclusion or exclusion of exon 5 and three amino acids (KTS) between zinc fingers 3 and 4 largely affects the activity of the WT1 protein. Such a complex post-transcriptional regulation, particularly in splicing, may represent a major regulatory mechanism for tumorigenesis of the Wilms’; tumor. With the inclusion of exon 5, WT1 (KTS+) binds to both DNA and RNA and is RNase but not DNase sensitive. This form also co-localizes with splicing factors in a speckled nuclear particle, suggesting that the WT1 protein may function as both a transcription factor and a splicing regulator.

Physical form

Clear and colorless frozen liquid solution

Preparation Note

Use a manual defrost freezer and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. While working, please keep sample on ice.