The Wnt Homepage
- 1997-2008 Roel Nusse (rnusse-at-stanford.edu)
December 16, 2008
- See History for timeline additions
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- Wnt proteins form a family of highly conserved secreted signaling molecules that regulate cell-to-cell interactions during embryogenesis. Insights into the mechanisms of Wnt action have emerged from several systems: genetics in Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans; biochemistry in cell culture and ectopic gene expression in Xenopus embryos. Mutations in Wnt genes or Wnt pathway components lead to specific developmental defects, while various human diseases, including cancer, are caused by abnormal Wnt signaling.
- Wnt proteins form a family of highly conserved secreted signaling molecules that regulate cell-to-cell interactions during embryogenesis. Insights into the mechanisms of Wnt action have emerged from several systems: genetics in Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans; biochemistry in cell culture and ectopic gene expression in Xenopus embryos. Mutations in Wnt genes or Wnt pathway components lead to specific developmental defects, while various human diseases, including cancer, are caused by abnormal Wnt signaling.
As currently understood, Wnt proteins bind to receptors of the Frizzled and LRP families on the cell surface. Through several cytoplasmic relay components, the signal is transduced to beta-catenin , which then enters the nucleus and forms a complex with TCF to activate transcription of Wnt target genes (see diagrams of the Wnt pathway).
- Wnt signaling is discussed in many reviews, listed here.
- There are usually several Wnt meetings per year (four in 2009!).
- Wnt signaling is discussed in many reviews, listed here.
