Frizzled-1

Frizzled-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FZD1 gene. It is a member of the Frizzled family, which is a group of G protein-coupled receptor proteins that serve as receptors in the Wnt signaling pathway and other signaling pathways.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Frizzled-1 is a seven-transmembrane domain protein that is part of the Frizzled family. The protein is characterized by an N-terminal signal sequence, a cysteine-rich domain in the extracellular region, seven transmembrane domains, and a C-terminal cytoplasmic tail. The cysteine-rich domain is necessary for binding Wnt ligands.

Function[edit | edit source]

Frizzled-1 acts as a receptor for Wnt proteins. Binding of Wnt proteins to Frizzled-1 can initiate several intracellular signaling pathways, including the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the Wnt/calcium pathway, and the planar cell polarity pathway. These pathways play crucial roles in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, genetic stability, apoptosis, and stem cell renewal.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the FZD1 gene have been associated with several diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and bipolar disorder. In cancer, overexpression of Frizzled-1 has been observed in several types of tumors, including breast, colon, and lung cancers. In Alzheimer's disease, Frizzled-1 has been implicated in the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques, a hallmark of the disease. In bipolar disorder, a genetic variant in the FZD1 gene has been associated with the disease.