FZD7

FZD7 (Frizzled-7 receptor), also known as Fz-7 or CD349, is a transmembrane protein that functions as a receptor for Wnt ligands, playing pivotal roles in both β-catenin-dependent (canonical) and β-catenin-independent (non-canonical) Wnt signaling pathways. It regulates key processes including embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and stem cell maintenance by activating downstream effectors such as Dishevelled proteins. Dysregulation of FZD7 is implicated in multiple cancers, notably colorectal, breast, and hepatocellular carcinomas, where its overexpression drives tumor proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Additionally, aberrant FZD7 signaling correlates with developmental disorders and fibrosis. Therapeutic strategies targeting FZD7 include monoclonal antibodies (e.g., vantictumab/OMP-18R5), small-molecule inhibitors, and Wnt pathway modulators (e.g., LGK974), with several agents in early-phase clinical trials exploring efficacy in solid tumors. Combinatorial approaches with chemotherapy or immunotherapy are under investigation to overcome resistance mechanisms.