Wnt-frizzled interactions in Xenopus.
The Wnt signaling cascades are regulatory modules which are involved in embryonic patterning, cell differentiation, morphogenesis, and diseases. The Wnt pathways are activated when secreted Wnt ligands interact with 7-trans-membrane receptors of the Frizzled (Fz) family. Specific readouts are determined by the ligand/receptor combinations and the cellular context. Here we describe two methods for the analysis of Wnt/Frizzled interactions in Xenopus embryos. Physical interaction of ligand and receptor are demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation assays. The activation of Wnt targets in Xenopus animal cap tissue provides a versatile test system for activating and inhibitory components of the Wnt/beta -catenin pathway.
Steinbeisser
Herbert
H
Institute of Human Genetics, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Swain
Rajeeb K
RK
D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D051157:Frizzled Receptors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D029867:Xenopus Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014982:Xenopus laevis / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D051157:Frizzled Receptors; D051153:Wnt Proteins; D029867:Xenopus Proteins