Receptor for Wnt proteins. Functions in the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway (By similarity). The canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway leads to the activation of disheveled proteins, inhibition of GSK-3 kinase, nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin and activation of Wnt target genes. A second signaling pathway involving PKC and calcium fluxes has been seen for some family members, but it is not yet clear if it represents a distinct pathway or if it can be integrated in the canonical pathway, as PKC seems to be required for Wnt-mediated inactivation of GSK-3 kinase. Both pathways seem to involve interactions with G-proteins. May be involved in transduction and intercellular transmission of polarity information during tissue morphogenesis and/or in differentiated tissues (Probable).
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Highest levels in the placenta and fetal kidney, followed by fetal lung and brain. In adult brain, abundantly expressed in the cerebellum, followed by cerebral cortex, medulla and spinal cord; very low levels in total brain, frontal lobe, temporal lobe and putamen. Weak expression detected in adult brain, heart, lung, skeletal muscle, pancreas, spleen and prostate.