Function
Receptor for Wnt proteins. Most frizzled receptors are coupled to the beta-catenin (CTNNB1) canonical signaling pathway, which leads to the activation of disheveled proteins, inhibition of GSK-3 kinase, nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin (CTNNB1) and activation of Wnt target genes. Plays a critical role in retinal vascularization by acting as a receptor for Wnt proteins and norrin (NDP). In retina, it can be activated by Wnt protein-binding and also by Wnt-independent signaling via binding of norrin (NDP), promoting in both cases beta-catenin (CTNNB1) accumulation and stimulation of LEF/TCF-mediated transcriptional programs. A second signaling pathway involving PKC and calcium fluxes has been seen for some family members, but it is not yet clear if it represents a distinct pathway or if it can be integrated in the canonical pathway, as PKC seems to be required for Wnt-mediated inactivation of GSK-3 kinase. Both pathways seem to involve interactions with G-proteins. May be involved in transduction and intercellular transmission of polarity information during tissue morphogenesis and/or in differentiated tissues.
Tissue Specificity
Almost ubiquitous. Largely expressed in adult heart, skeletal muscle, ovary, and fetal kidney. Moderate amounts in adult liver, kidney, pancreas, spleen, and fetal lung, and small amounts in placenta, adult lung, prostate, testis, colon, fetal brain and l