XB-ART-24826
Science
May 24, 1991;
252
(5009):
1173-6.
Effect of wnt-1 and related proteins on gap junctional communication in Xenopus embryos.
Abstract
The proto-oncogene wnt-1 (previously referred to as int-1) is thought to be important in embryonic pattern formation although its mechanisms of action are unknown. Premature and increased expression of the Wnt-1 protein, achieved by injection of synthetic wnt-1 RNA into fertilized Xenopus eggs, enhanced gap junctional communication between ventral cells of the developing embryo. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that Wnt proteins activate a receptor-mediated signal transduction pathway and that gap junctional communication can be a target of this pathway. The effects of two Wnt-1-related proteins on gap junctional communication were also investigated: overexpression of Xwnt-8 increased gap junctional coupling in a manner similar to Wnt-1, whereas Xwnt-5A did not. These findings are consistent with the existence of multiple receptors for Wnt proteins.
PubMed ID: 2031187
Article link:
Grant support:
Species referenced: Xenopus laevis
Genes referenced: wnt1 wnt5a wnt8a