The Frizzled family of unconventional G-protein-coupled receptors

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2007 Oct;28(10):518-25. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2007.09.001. Epub 2007 Sep 19.

Abstract

The Frizzled (FZD) family of receptors is critically involved in embryogenesis, and there is substantial evidence that members of this family also regulate tissue homeostasis in many different organs in the adult. FZD receptors have seven transmembrane-spanning domains and are activated by the WNT family of lipoglycoproteins. Many aspects of FZD signal transduction and pharmacology are still unclear. In this review, we summarize recent advances and some of the key questions about the molecular pharmacology of FZDs, FZD-associated proteins and signal transduction. We also discuss what little is known about the pharmacological binding profiles and the degree of selectivity of WNTs and other extracellular ligands for FZDs. Finally, we focus on signaling events that occur as a direct consequence of FZD activation, signaling via the central phosphoprotein Dishevelled (DVL) and FZD coupling to heterotrimeric G proteins. Here, we outline the current state of knowledge on FZDs and FZD signal transduction and pinpoint aspects of debate and future directions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / physiology
  • Animals
  • Dishevelled Proteins
  • Endocytosis
  • Frizzled Receptors / chemistry
  • Frizzled Receptors / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Phosphoproteins / physiology
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / chemistry
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Wnt Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Dishevelled Proteins
  • Frizzled Receptors
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Wnt Proteins