Frizzled class receptor 3 (FZD3)

Frizzled class receptor 3 (FZD3) is a member of the frizzled family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), characterized by seven transmembrane domains and serving as receptors for Wnt proteins[2][4][1]. FZD3 is critically involved in non-canonical Wnt signaling, particularly planar cell polarity (PCP) pathways that regulate axonal development in the nervous system and neural crest cell migration[1][2][3]. It is also implicated in the canonical β-catenin pathway, with possible roles in hair follicle development and other tissue-specific functions. Disease associations include cancer (notably colorectal cancer), multicystic dysplastic kidney, and genetic susceptibility for schizophrenia[4][1]. Although no approved drugs specifically target FZD3, recent advances include nanobody modulators and characterization of conserved pockets that may be druggable with small molecules[1]. Safety concerns stem from FZD3’s roles in essential developmental and homeostatic processes, raising potential challenges for selective therapeutic intervention.

Other names

Frizzled-3FZD3Fz-3hFz3seven transmembrane spanning receptorfrizzled family receptor 3frizzled homolog 3frizzled 3

Nanobody modulators can act as antagonists or agonists by competing with Wnt ligands or intracellular effectors (Dishevelled proteins, G protein coupling) Small molecule inhibitors (potential) that block the transmembrane ligand binding groove