InterPro domain: IPR025265

The WPP domain is thought to be exclusively found in plants. The WPP stands for a tryptophan-proline-proline motif that is highly conserved in the domain [ 1 ]. The WPP domain is known to direct RanGAP (Ran GTPase-activating protein) to the nuclear envelope [ 2 ]. RanGAP is an accessory protein for the small signaling GTPase Ran, which is involved in nucleocytoplasmic transport. Non-RanGAP nuclear envelope proteins are also known to encode WPP domains, such as MFP1 attachment factor 1 (MAF1) [ 3 ], WPP1 [ 3 ] and WPP2 [ 4 ].

1. A novel link between ran signal transduction and nuclear envelope proteins in plants. Plant Physiol. 124, 1507-10
2. A domain unique to plant RanGAP is responsible for its targeting to the plant nuclear rim. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 98, 15377-82
3. Arabidopsis WPP-domain proteins are developmentally associated with the nuclear envelope and promote cell division. Plant Cell 16, 3260-73