R-spondin 3

R-spondin 3 is a secreted protein encoded by the RSPO3 gene in humans. It is a member of the R-spondin family and functions as a positive modulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by binding to LGR4/5/6 receptors and regulating the internalization of Wnt co-receptors such as LRP6. This activity enhances Wnt pathway activation and stabilizes β-catenin. R-spondin 3 plays critical roles in embryonic development (notably vasculogenesis and angiogenesis), stem cell maintenance (notably expansion of Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells), tissue regeneration, fibrosis development in multiple organs (including liver and lung), oncogenesis (colorectal cancer via Wnt-dependent mechanisms; breast cancer via both Wnt-dependent and independent mechanisms), and modulation of inflammation after ischemic stroke. Recombinant forms are used extensively in research for organoid culture systems[1][2][5][6][7].

Other names

roof plate-specific spondin-3cysteine-rich and single thrombospondin domain containing-1Protein with TSP type-1 repeatR-spondin 3 homologR-spondin3 homologR-spondin-3 homologThrombospondin type-1 domain-containing protein 2