FZD7

FZD7 (Frizzled-7) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FZD7 gene. It is a member of the Frizzled family of G protein-coupled receptors that are receptors for Wnt signaling molecules. The Wnt signaling pathway plays critical roles in the regulation of cell fate determination, cell proliferation, cell polarity, and neural patterning, among other processes. FZD7 has been implicated in several biological processes, including embryonic development, stem cell regulation, and tumorigenesis.

Function

FZD7 is a receptor for Wnt proteins, which bind to the Frizzled family of receptors and initiate a cascade of cellular events leading to changes in gene expression. Specifically, FZD7 is involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is important for cell proliferation and differentiation. This pathway is activated when Wnt proteins bind to a Frizzled receptor and its co-receptor, LRP5/6, leading to the stabilization and accumulation of β-catenin in the nucleus where it can influence the expression of Wnt target genes.

Clinical Significance

The aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, often through overexpression or mutation of components like FZD7, has been linked to the development and progression of several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. FZD7 is considered a potential target for cancer therapy due to its role in these processes.

Research has also suggested a role for FZD7 in the regulation of stem cells, including cancer stem cells. This has implications for understanding tumor growth and resistance to treatments, as cancer stem cells are believed to be responsible for relapse and metastasis in many cancers.

Gene

The FZD7 gene is located on human chromosome 2q33.3 and consists of several exons that encode the FZD7 protein. The gene is expressed in various tissues, with significant roles in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis.

See Also

• Wnt signaling pathway
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Cell proliferation
• Cancer

External Links

Given the constraints, external links cannot be provided.

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