Frizzled-6

Frizzled-6 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FZD6 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-6, like other members of the Frizzled family, has a seven-transmembrane domain structure, which is a common characteristic of G protein-coupled receptors. The protein also has a cysteine-rich domain in its extracellular region, which is necessary for binding Wnt ligands.

Function

Frizzled-6 plays a crucial role in several biological processes, including cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. It is involved in the non-canonical Wnt/PCP (planar cell polarity) pathway, which controls the polarity of cells within a plane perpendicular to their apical-basal axes. This pathway is essential for various developmental processes, including convergent extension, neural tube closure, and hair follicle development.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the FZD6 gene have been associated with various diseases. For instance, a mutation in this gene has been linked to nail dysplasia, a condition characterized by abnormal nail growth. Additionally, aberrant expression of Frizzled-6 has been implicated in several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer and breast cancer.

See also

• Frizzled
• Wnt signaling pathway
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Nail dysplasia