Protein wntless homolog

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Protein Wntless homolog (also known as WLS, GPR177, or Evi) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the WLS gene. This protein plays a crucial role in the Wnt signaling pathway, a group of signal transduction pathways made of proteins that pass signals into a cell through cell surface receptors.

Function[edit | edit source]

The Wntless protein is involved in the secretion of Wnt proteins, which are signaling molecules that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Wntless binds to Wnt proteins in the Golgi apparatus and transports them to the cell surface for secretion. This process is essential for the establishment of body polarity and organogenesis during embryonic development.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the WLS gene have been associated with several diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease. In cancer, overexpression of WLS has been observed in various types of tumors, suggesting a role in tumorigenesis. In osteoporosis, WLS is involved in bone formation and remodeling, and its dysregulation can lead to bone loss. In Alzheimer's disease, WLS is implicated in the regulation of amyloid precursor protein processing and amyloid-beta production.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]



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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD