InterPro domain: IPR010334

An essential step in mRNA turnover is decapping. In yeast, two proteins have been identified that are essential for decapping, Dcp1 (this family) and Dcp2. Dcp1 is a coactivator that binds to the decapping enzyme Dcp2 and forms a decapping enzyme complex, which removes the 5' cap structure from mRNAs prior to their degradation [ 1 ]. Yeast Dcp1 interact directly with Dcp2, however, the Dcp1-Dcp2 interaction is promoted by an additional factor, EDC4 [ 2 ]. In the nervous system, it promotes neurons' lifespan through the negative regulation of the insulin-like peptide ins-7 expression [ 3 ].

1. Crystal structure and functional analysis of Dcp2p from Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 13, 63-70
2. The activation of the decapping enzyme DCP2 by DCP1 occurs on the EDC4 scaffold and involves a conserved loop in DCP1. Nucleic Acids Res. 42, 5217-33
3. mRNA decapping is an evolutionarily conserved modulator of neuroendocrine signaling that controls development and ageing. Elife 9