Wnt protein secretion

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The controlled release of a Wnt protein from a cell. [GOC:bf, PMID:19223472]

Wnt proteins are a family of secreted signaling molecules that play crucial roles in development, tissue homeostasis, and disease. Their secretion is a complex process involving multiple steps and protein interactions.

**1. Synthesis and Processing:**
- Wnt proteins are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as precursor proteins.
- They undergo glycosylation and palmitoylation modifications in the ER, which are essential for their proper folding and secretion.
- After modification, Wnt proteins are transported to the Golgi apparatus.

**2. Packaging into Transport Vesicles:**
- In the Golgi, Wnt proteins are packaged into transport vesicles along with specific chaperones and accessory proteins.
- These chaperones, such as Wntless (WLS), play critical roles in stabilizing Wnt proteins and facilitating their secretion.

**3. Trafficking to the Plasma Membrane:**
- The transport vesicles containing Wnt proteins move to the plasma membrane, where they fuse with the cell membrane.
- This fusion event releases the Wnt proteins into the extracellular space.

**4. Interaction with Wntless (WLS):**
- Wnt proteins require interaction with WLS for their efficient secretion.
- WLS binds to Wnt proteins in the Golgi and escorts them to the plasma membrane.
- WLS acts as a molecular chaperone, preventing Wnt proteins from degradation and promoting their release.

**5. Release from the Cell:**
- Upon reaching the plasma membrane, Wnt proteins are released into the extracellular space through a process known as exocytosis.
- The precise mechanism of Wnt release is still under investigation, but it is believed to involve the formation of specialized vesicles called Wnt-containing vesicles.

**6. Activation and Signaling:**
- Once secreted, Wnt proteins can bind to their receptors on target cells, initiating downstream signaling pathways.
- Wnt signaling pathways regulate diverse cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration.

**7. Regulation of Wnt Secretion:**
- Wnt secretion is tightly regulated by various factors, including cell type, developmental stage, and environmental cues.
- For instance, Wnt secretion can be modulated by signaling pathways, such as the Hedgehog and TGF-beta pathways.
- Dysregulation of Wnt secretion is implicated in various diseases, including cancer and developmental disorders.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)