Protein Wnt-6 (WNT6)

Protein Wnt-6 (WNT6) is a highly conserved, secreted signaling glycoprotein of the Wnt family that regulates key developmental and homeostatic processes across species. WNT6 acts as a morphogen, playing a critical role in embryogenesis for the formation and patterning of organ systems such as the heart, ventral body wall, and somite-derived structures. Its functional activity is mediated through binding to cell-surface Frizzled and LRP5/6 receptors, activating the canonical β-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling pathway, as well as non-canonical pathways in some cellular contexts. In adult physiology, WNT6 regulates cell proliferation, adipogenesis, and osteoblastogenesis. Aberrant or dysregulated WNT6 expression is associated with a range of pathologies, including cancer (especially colorectal, cervical, and glioblastoma), fibrosis, metabolic disorders, and infection. The pleiotropic roles and redundancy with other Wnt family members raise both opportunity and challenge for therapeutic targeting of WNT6.

Other names

Wnt family member 6protein Wnt-6wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 6WNT6

Ligand for Frizzled/LRP5/6 receptors, activating canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway or non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways; downstream effects include regulation of β-catenin, TCF/LEF-mediated transcription, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway