Soluble frizzled-related proteins (sFRPS) function as modulators of Wnt signaling through direct interaction with Wnts. They have a role in regulating cell growth and differentiation in specific cell types. SFRP3/FRZB appears to be involved in limb skeletogenesis. Antagonist of Wnt8 signaling. Regulates chondrocyte maturation and long bone development.
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Expressed primarily in the cartilaginous cores of the long bone during embryonic and fetal development and in the appendicular skeleton (6-13 weeks). At 13 weeks of gestation, transcripts were present in early chondroblasts of the tarsal bones of the foot, the carpal bones of the hands and the epiphysis of long bones. Highly expressed in placenta and heart, followed by brain, skeletal muscle, kidney and pancreas. Weakly expressed in lung and liver.