Harnessing low-density lipoprotein receptor protein 6 (LRP6) genetic variation and Wnt signaling for innovative diagnostics in complex diseases

• Published in: The pharmacogenomics journal 2018-05, Vol.18 (3), p.351-358
• Main Authors: Wang, Z-M, Luo, J-Q, Xu, L-Y, Zhou, H-H, Zhang, W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 631/208/212; 631/208/737; Alzheimer's disease; Animal models; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Cancer; Cell culture; Embryogenesis; Embryonic growth stage; Embryos; Gene Expression; Gene mutation; Genetic aspects; Genetic diversity; Genetic testing; Genetic variance; Health aspects; Heparan sulfate; Human Genetics; Innovations; Low density lipoprotein; Low density lipoprotein receptors; Metabolic syndrome; Mutation; Neurodegenerative diseases; Oncology; Osteoporosis; Pharmacotherapy; Physiological aspects; Psychopharmacology; Receptor density; review; Signal transduction; Wnt protein; Wnt proteins; β-Catenin
• ISSN: 1470-269X; 1473-1150
• DOI: 10.1038/tpj.2017.28

Wnt signaling regulates a broad variety of processes in both embryonic development and various diseases. Recent studies indicated that some genetic variants in Wnt signaling pathway may serve as predictors of diseases. Low-density lipoprotein receptor protein 6 (LRP6) is a Wnt co-receptor with essential functions in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and mutations in LRP6 gene are linked to many complex human diseases, including metabolic syndrome, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. Therefore, we focus on the role of LRP6 genetic polymorphisms and Wnt signaling in complex diseases, and the mechanisms from mouse models and cell lines. It is also highly anticipated that LRP6 variants will be applied clinically in the future. The brief review provided here could be a useful resource for future research and may contribute to a more accurate diagnosis in complex diseases.