This superfamily comprises the Wapl domain usually found at the C-terminus of fungal Wpl1 proteins (also known as Rad61), which are subunits of a complex that inhibits sister chromatid cohesion. These proteins are members of the cohesin complex. The Wapl domain binds to the ATPase head domain of cohesin subunit Smc3 PMID:23395900. The Wapl gene was initially identified in Drosophila as a controller of heterochromatin structure and cohesion. Wapl is involved in the destabilisation of chromatin-bound cohesin in an acetylation-dependent manner, although the molecular mechanisms of this complex pathway are not fully understood.

INTERPRO:IPR031550, PFAM:PF16997,DOI:10.1038/emboj.2013.16