Biochemistry and Molecular Mechanisms of Wingless Action.
Abstract
The Drosophila gene wingless, and its vertebrate homologue the proto-oncogene Wnt-1, encode extracellular signaling molecules that regulate differentiation and cell proliferation. We have shown that porcupine is required for both the post-translational modification and translocation of wingless protein (WG). Interestingly, porcupine is not required for secretion of other growth factors, such as the Drosophila TGFbeta ligand DPP. Once secreted, WG can bind to extracellular glycosaminoglycans. Treatments which disrupt these interactions also inhibit WG signaling. Furthermore, the activity of purified WG is stimulated by the addition of heparin sulfate in vitro. Our results suggest that glycosaminoglycans play a functional role in WG signaling. These studies have provided significant insight into the mechanisms by which the WNT family of growth factor-like ligands are secreted and transmitted from cell to cell.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA319751
Entities
People
- Susan Cumberledge
Organizations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst