Cellular signaling and biological functions of R-spondins.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2012

Institution/Department

Center for Molecular Medicine; Maine Medical Center Research Institute

Journal Title

Cellular signalling

MeSH Headings

Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, CD36 Antigens, Cell Proliferation, Crohn Disease, Gene Expression Regulation, Humans, Insulin-Secreting Cells, Intestines, Mice, Molecular Sequence Data, Muscle Development, Osteogenesis, Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs, Protein Isoforms, Stem Cells, Thrombospondins, Wnt Proteins, Wnt Signaling Pathway, beta Catenin

Abstract

R-spondins (RSPOs) are a family of cysteine-rich secreted proteins containing a single thrombospondin type I repeat (TSR) domain. A vast amount of information regarding cellular signaling and biological functions of RSPOs has emerged over the last several years, especially with respect to their roles in the activation of the WNT signaling pathway. The identification of several classes of RSPO receptors may indicate that this family of proteins can affect several signaling cascades. Herein, we summarize the current understanding of RSPO signaling and its biological functions, and discuss its potential therapeutic implications to human diseases.

ISSN

1873-3913

First Page

369

Last Page

377

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