Mammalian Embryo: Wnt Signalling

Shinji Takada, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

Published online: April 2001

DOI: 10.1038/npg.els.0000739

Abstract

Wnt signalling is essential for various aspects of mouse development, including central nervous system development, gastrulation and organogenesis.

Keywords: cell signalling molecule; mutant; central nervous system; kidney

Figure 1.

Wnt signalling pathway. Before binding of Wnt proteins to the frizzled receptors, porcupine is likely to be required in the secretory pathway. Proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix can bind to Wnt proteins and are likely to modulate Wnt signalling by limiting diffusion of Wnt proteins. In addition, several secreted molecules, including FRPs, cerberus and WIFs bind to Wnt proteins and modulate Wnt activities. Another secreted molecule, (Dkk), antagonizes Wnt signalling although it is not clear whether this protein binds to Wnt directly. The Wnt signal leads to inactivation of a serine/threonine kinase, 3β (GSK‐3β), through a cytoplasmic protein, (dsh), and, in turn, inactivation of GSK‐3β causes accumulation of a cytosolic pool of β‐catenin. In the absence of Wnt signal, phosphorylated β‐catenin is rapidly degradated through the ubiquitin pathway. The cytoplasmic β‐catenin forms a high molecular weight complex with axin, which acts as a negative regulator of Wnt pathway, and APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) proteins. Stabilized β‐catenin binds with TCF/Lef‐1. This complex regulates expression of target genes in the nucleus. TCF can also bind to groucho and CBP, repressing transcription in opposition to Wnt signal.
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Related Sub-Topics:

Intracellular and Extracellular Signalling | Genes, Molecules and Cellular Processes | Development of Vertebrate Nervous System | Organogenesis | Cleavage and Gastrulation
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Article Title: Mammalian Embryo: Wnt Signalling
 
How to Cite close
Takada, Shinji(Apr 2001) Mammalian Embryo: Wnt Signalling. In: eLS. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Chichester. http://www.els.net [doi: 10.1038/npg.els.0000739]