Downstream regulator in the Wnt/Frizzled-signaling pathway. Associated with cell survival. Attenuates p53-mediated apoptosis in response to DNA damage through activation of AKT kinase. Up-regulates the anti-apoptotic Bcl-X(L) protein. Adheres to skin and melanoma fibroblasts. In vitro binding to skin fibroblasts occurs through the proteoglycans, decorin and biglycan.
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Expressed in heart, kidney, lung, pancreas, placenta, ovary, small intestine and spleen. Isoform 2 is expressed predominantly in scirrhous gastric carcinoma and, weakly in placenta. Overexpression is associated with several cancers including breast cancer and colon tumors. Isoform 2 is overexpressed in scirrhous gastric carcinoma.