Frizzled class receptor 3 (FZD3) (FZD3)

Frizzled class receptor 3 (FZD3) is a seven-transmembrane protein belonging to the Frizzled family, serving as a primary receptor for Wnt signaling ligands [1]. It plays a fundamental role in central nervous system development, particularly in axon guidance, the formation of major white matter tracts such as the corpus callosum, and the regulation of planar cell polarity [3]. Dysregulation of FZD3 expression or its mRNA levels has been implicated in various pathologies, including neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and several types of malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and melanoma, where it promotes cell survival and migration [4, 5]. While direct pharmacological targeting of FZD3 is still largely in the experimental stage, therapeutic strategies include the use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to knockdown FZD3 mRNA or monoclonal antibodies to block receptor-ligand interactions [4]. Challenges in targeting FZD3 include its high homology with other Frizzled receptors and the potential for off-target effects on the essential Wnt signaling pathway, which governs tissue homeostasis and regeneration.

Other names

Frizzled-3Fz-3hFz3Frizzled family receptor 3

mRNA degradation (via RNA interference), Competitive antagonism of Wnt binding