Frizzled-2

Frizzled-2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FZD2 gene. It is a member of the Frizzled family, which is a group of G protein-coupled receptors that serve as receptors in the Wnt signaling pathway and other signaling pathways.

Structure

Frizzled-2 is a seven-transmembrane domain protein, which is a common characteristic of G protein-coupled receptors. The protein has a cysteine-rich domain in its N-terminal extracellular region, which is the site for binding Wnt ligands.

Function

Frizzled-2 plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. It is involved in the Wnt signaling pathway, which is essential for embryonic development. The protein can also activate the β-catenin dependent pathway, which plays a role in cell-cell adhesion and gene transcription.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the FZD2 gene have been associated with several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and congenital anomalies. For instance, overexpression of Frizzled-2 has been observed in certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

See also

• Frizzled
• Wnt signaling pathway
• G protein-coupled receptor
• β-catenin