WNT5A : Wnt family member 5A
Description
The WNT5A (Wnt family member 5A) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 3.
The WNT5A gene is part of a large family of WNT genes essential for development before birth. These genes encode proteins involved in chemical signaling pathways within the body, regulating gene activity and cell interactions during embryonic development. The WNT5A protein is a key player in signaling pathways that control cell movement (migration) and attachment (adhesion) during early development. Research suggests that WNT5A protein plays crucial roles in the normal development of various body parts, including the brain, skeleton, blood cells, and adipose tissue.
WNT5A protein acts as a ligand for frizzled receptors, triggering both activation and inhibition of canonical Wnt signaling. It activates beta-catenin signaling in the presence of FZD4, but inhibits it in the presence of ROR2 by promoting beta-catenin degradation through a GSK3-independent pathway. This inhibition is linked to chondrogenesis and tumor suppression. WNT5A also stimulates cell migration and has anti-cancer effects, reducing proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and clonogenicity in carcinoma cells. It is essential for embryonic development, particularly in the extension of the primary anterior-posterior axis, limb outgrowth, and genital tubercle development. Furthermore, it inhibits type II collagen expression in chondrocytes. WNT5A forms a complex with AFM, which prevents oligomerization and enhances its biological activity. This complex might represent the physiological form in body fluids.
WNT5A is also known as hWNT5A.
