title: WNTs in the vertebrate nervous system: from patterning to neuronal connectivity.
abstract: WNT signalling has a key role in early embryonic patterning through the regulation of cell fate decisions, tissue polarity and cell movements. In the nervous system, WNT signalling also regulates neuronal connectivity by controlling axon pathfinding, axon remodelling, dendrite morphogenesis and synapse formation. Studies, from invertebrates to mammals, have led to a considerable understanding of WNT signal transduction pathways. This knowledge provides a framework for the study of the mechanisms by which WNTs regulate diverse neuronal functions. Manipulation of the WNT pathways could provide new strategies for nerve regeneration and neuronal circuit modulation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
authors.forename: Lorenza
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ciani
authors.forename: Patricia C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Salinas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D051153:Wnt Proteins
chemical_list: D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D051153:Wnt Proteins