The many roles of PTK7: a versatile regulator of cell-cell communication.
PTK7 (protein tyrosine kinase 7) is an evolutionarily conserved transmembrane receptor with functions in various processes ranging from embryonic morphogenesis to epidermal wound repair. Here, we review recent findings indicating that PTK7 is a versatile co-receptor that functions as a molecular switch in Wnt, Semaphorin/Plexin and VEGF signaling pathways. We focus in particular on the role of PTK7 in Wnt signaling, as recent data indicate that PTK7 acts as a Wnt co-receptor, which activates the planar cell polarity pathway, but inhibits canonical Wnt signaling.
Department of Developmental Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CMPB), GZMB, University of Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
Hanna
H
Peradziryi
Nicholas S
NS
Tolwinski
Annette
A
Borchers
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication; D016764:Cell Polarity; D006801:Humans; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*
D051153:Wnt Proteins; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases