WNT3 : Wnt family member 3
Description
The WNT3 (Wnt family member 3) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.
The WNT3 gene is a member of the large WNT gene family, playing crucial roles in development before birth. WNT genes produce proteins involved in chemical signaling pathways within the body, controlling gene activity and cell interactions during embryonic development. Research in animals suggests that the WNT3 protein is essential for limb outgrowth in developing embryos. WNT3 also appears to play a significant role in establishing the anterior-posterior axis (head-to-tail) during early embryonic development. Mutations in the human WNT3 gene indicate potential involvement in the normal formation of facial features, head, heart, lungs, nervous system, skeleton, and genitalia.
WNT3 protein is a ligand for members of the frizzled family of seven transmembrane receptors. WNT3 protein functions in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway leading to activation of transcription factors of the TCF/LEF family. It is required for normal gastrulation, formation of the primitive streak, and for the formation of the mesoderm during early embryogenesis. WNT3 is also required for normal formation of the apical ectodermal ridge and for normal embryonic development, particularly limb development.
WNT3 is also known as INT4, TETAMS.
