WNT4

WNT4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the WNT4 gene. It is a member of the WNT gene family, which consists of structurally related genes that encode secreted signaling proteins. These proteins have been implicated in oncogenesis and in several developmental processes, including regulation of cell fate and patterning during embryogenesis.

Function

WNT4 is a key regulator of the female reproductive system. It plays a crucial role in the development of the female reproductive tract, the maintenance of pregnancy, and the regulation of menstrual cycle. In males, WNT4 is involved in the development of the prostate and the epididymis.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the WNT4 gene have been associated with a range of medical conditions. These include Müllerian aplasia, a condition characterized by the underdevelopment or absence of certain female reproductive structures, and Sertoli cell-only syndrome, a condition that affects male fertility.

See also

• WNT signaling pathway
• WNT gene family

External links

• NCBI Gene
• UniProt