WDR45 is an X-linked gene encoding a WD repeat β-propeller protein that plays critical roles in autophagy regulation and stress response. As a component of the autophagy machinery, WDR45 binds phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P) and regulates autophagosome assembly downstream of WIPI2, controlling the size of forming autophagosomes 1. WDR45 works in concert with WIPI1 to promote ATG2-mediated lipid transfer by enhancing ATG2 association with PI3P-containing membranes 2. Recent structural studies reveal that WDR45 forms part of the ATG2A-WDR45-ATG9A complex, which serves as core machinery for lipid transfer and equilibration during autophagosome formation 3. Additionally, WDR45 regulates stress granule disassembly through phase separation with Caprin-1, competitively displacing G3BP1 to promote proper stress granule dynamics 4. WDR45 also functions as a tether protein facilitating autophagosome-lysosome fusion in neural cells by interacting with SNARE proteins 5. Mutations in WDR45 cause beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN), a rare X-linked disorder characterized by neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation 6. BPAN-associated mutations impair WDR45's ability to form condensates and interact with regulatory proteins, leading to delayed stress granule disassembly and autophagy defects 4. The gene has also been implicated in intellectual disability and various neurodevelopmental disorders 78.