Frizzled-5

Frizzled-5 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FZD5 gene. It is a member of the Frizzled family of proteins, which are integral membrane proteins that function as receptors in the Wnt signaling pathway.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Frizzled-5 is a seven-pass transmembrane receptor that is part of the Frizzled family. The protein is characterized by an extracellular Cysteine-rich domain (CRD) that is essential for binding Wnt ligands. The intracellular portion of the protein interacts with Dishevelled proteins upon ligand binding, initiating the Wnt signaling pathway.

Function[edit | edit source]

Frizzled-5, like other members of the Frizzled family, is involved in the transduction of the Wnt signaling pathway. This pathway plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. Frizzled-5 has been implicated in the regulation of these processes, particularly in the context of developmental biology and cancer biology.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Alterations in the expression or function of Frizzled-5 have been associated with various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. For instance, overexpression of Frizzled-5 has been observed in certain types of cancer, suggesting a potential role in tumorigenesis.