Wnt5a Protein, Human (His)

The Wnt5a protein serves as a ligand for members of the frizzled family of seven transmembrane receptors and exhibits dual functionality in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, depending on the receptor context. In the presence of FZD4, it activates beta-catenin signaling, while in the presence of ROR2, it inhibits the canonical Wnt pathway by promoting beta-catenin degradation through a GSK3-independent pathway. This inhibition allows for chondrogenesis and impedes tumor formation. Wnt5a stimulates cell migration and, as a potential tumor suppressor, reduces the proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and clonogenicity of carcinoma cells. Additionally, it plays a crucial role during embryogenesis, contributing to the extension of the primary anterior-posterior axis and the outgrowth of limbs and the genital tubercle. The protein forms a soluble 1:1 complex with AFM, preventing oligomerization and ensuring prolonged biological activity, potentially representing the physiological form in body fluids. As a homooligomer, Wnt5a is disulfide-linked, leading to inactivation. It interacts with PORCN, WLS, glypican GCP3, PKD1, and TMEM67, illustrating its intricate involvement in various signaling pathways and developmental processes.