RNF43
Description
The RNF43 (ring finger protein 43) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.
RNF43 is a human gene that encodes a protein known as Ring finger protein 43. This protein functions as a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase, which plays a role in regulating cellular processes. It is characterized by a transmembrane domain, a protease-associated domain, an ectodomain, and a cytoplasmic RING domain. RNF43 negatively regulates Wnt signaling by promoting the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of Frizzled receptors, leading to reduced levels of these receptors at the cell surface. The gene exhibits alternative splicing, resulting in multiple transcript variants that encode different isoforms. Recent research indicates that RNF43 primarily functions in the cytoplasm, although early studies suggested a nuclear role, which has been attributed to artifacts related to antibody usage. Mutations in RNF43 have been linked to cancer development, and some mutations can lead to increased levels of β-catenin signaling due to elevated Wnt-receptor levels at the cell membrane. Importantly, inactivating mutations in the N-terminal region of RNF43 make cancer cells sensitive to Wnt antagonists, while mutations in other regions do not exhibit this sensitivity.
RNF43 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that acts as a negative regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway. It promotes the ubiquitination, endocytosis, and degradation of Frizzled, a component of the Wnt receptor complex. RNF43 influences both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways. In collaboration with RSPO2 and ZNRF3, it plays a key role in limb specification.
RNF43 is also known as RNF124, SSPCS, URCC.
