Wnt signalling: What The X@# is WTX?

EMBO J. 2011 Apr 20;30(8):1415-7. doi: 10.1038/emboj.2011.101.

Abstract

EMBO J 30 8, 1433–1443 (2011); published online February 08 2011

In this issue of The EMBO Journal, Tanneberger et al demonstrate that Amer1/WTX, a tumour suppressor protein previously known for promoting β-catenin degradation and thus antagonizing Wnt signalling, is also required for LRP6 receptor phosphorylation and therefore activation of Wnt signalling. Amer1/WTX is recruited by PtdIns(4,5)P2 to the plasma membrane, and in turn recruits the Axin–GSK3 complex and CK1γ to phosphorylate LRP6. While dichotomic players like Amer1/WTX are common in Wnt signalling, these new findings add more intrigues to this enigmatic protein and pathway.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Humans
  • LDL-Receptor Related Proteins / genetics
  • LDL-Receptor Related Proteins / metabolism*
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-6
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • AMER1 protein, human
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • LDL-Receptor Related Proteins
  • LRP6 protein, human
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-6
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Wnt Proteins