Biological functions of macrophage-derived Wnt5a, and its roles in human diseases.
Wnt5a is implicated in development and tissue homeostasis by activating β-catenin-independent pathway. Excessive production of Wnt5a is related to some human diseases. Macrophage recruitment is a character of inflammation and cancer, therefore macrophage-derived Wnt5a is supposed to be a player in these conditions. Actually, macrophage-derived Wnt5a maintains macrophage immune function, stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and induces angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, macrophage-derived Wnt5a is involved in insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and cancer. These findings indicate that macrophage-derived Wnt5a may be a target in the treatment of these diseases. Notably, unlike macrophages, the exact role of macrophage-derived Wnt5a in bacterial infection remains largely unknown.
Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Yue
Y
Shao
Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Qianqian
Q
Zheng
Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Wei
W
Wang
Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Na
N
Xin
Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Xiaowen
X
Song
Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Chenghai
C
Zhao
D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism*; D000071818:Wnt-5a Protein / Q000378:metabolism*
C085389:WNT5A protein, human; D000071818:Wnt-5a Protein
Wnt5a; angiogenesis; lymphangiogenesis; macrophage; β-catenin