Wnt/Frizzled signaling in the vasculature: new angiogenic factors in sight

Physiology (Bethesda). 2006 Jun:21:181-8. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00058.2005.

Abstract

Wnt growth factors function via Frizzled receptors to affect cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration. Wnt/Frizzled signaling is now linked to human hereditary disorders with retinal vascular defects, implicating Wnts as angiogenic factors. Here, we discuss Wnts and a novel Frizzled ligand, Norrin, in physiological and pathological angiogenesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Eye Proteins / physiology*
  • Frizzled Receptors / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / physiology
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology*
  • Retinal Vessels / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Vascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Wnt Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
  • Eye Proteins
  • Frizzled Receptors
  • NDP protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Wnt Proteins